Mets showing early how they value late-inning defensive replacements

The New York Mets are showing early in how the bench will get used for defensive purposes late in games.

Through the first few games of the 2019 season, we’ve seen the New York Mets do something often and well. They’ve taken advantage of the specific skill their bench does well and that’s play above-average defense.

On an average night in early 2019, we should see the Mets begin the game with either Keon Broxton or Juan Lagares on the bench. Luis Guillorme should also have a seat nearby with backup catcher Tomas Nido prepared to jump into the game if needed. Let’s also not forget Dominic Smith who plays a very solid first base.

All five are part-time players with reputations as glove-first ball players. Each should see time as a defensive replacement at some point if they haven’t already. Nido may be the lone exception as Wilson Ramos is a fine gloveman himself. Guillorme may also find it difficult considering Robinson Cano and Amed Rosario are fine defenders, too.

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It won’t be rare to see Edwin Diaz on the mound to close out games with Smith at first base, Lagares in center field, and Broxton in either right or left. This alignment in the ninth inning, while an upgrade on defense, won’t always be possible, though. It would require fewer pinch hitters along the way on their path to victory.

J.D. Davis is the only player on the Mets bench one could consider a card-carrying member of the offense-first variety. As a righty who struggles against same-handed pitchers, the majority of his pinch-hit at-bats would probably come against lefties. This means the Mets would likely be forced into using someone else at the plate, eliminating the opportunity for the best defense possible in the ninth frame.

It’s impossible to manage a game perfectly, but the Mets are trying early. They’re clearing out the bench and ensuring the cavalry is called in without hesitation.

Though this may end up having a negative effect at some point later in the year if they were to lose a lead and head into extra innings without a bat they could’ve used in a pinch-hitting situation, those would be fewer.

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When you have a chance to win a game, you do whatever you can to. This means wisely substituting the second-stringers in for the starters and setting up your team for an easy final inning.