Five Mets Opening Day predictions to begin the 2020 season

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Mets doubles to left field in the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field on September 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Robinson Cano drops in the lineup

Maybe the toughest for disgruntled Mets fans to believe, I do think we will see Robinson Cano drop in the lineup this season. It’s difficult to justify placing him in the third spot yet again—at least to start the year. He can earn it back by performing well. Until then, I see him in the bottom part of the order.

On Opening Day, Cano will bat sixth. This spot can help break up the lefties near the middle with Michael Conforto in the four-hole and either J.D. Davis or Wilson Ramos batting fifth. The other will find a spot behind Cano in the lineup with an opportunity to drive him in if he’s able to reach base.

At this stage of his career, Cano is a much better fit in the sixth or seventh spot. The Mets have to realize this and begin the year with the veteran second baseman falling down in the order. This is even more vital if they’re going to start the lineup off with Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo.

It’s never an easy conversation to have with an employee. However, Brodie Van Wagenen needs to make Cano understand this is what his role with the Mets has become.

Seven frames, 10 Ks, and 1 ER from Jacob deGrom

I hope you didn’t think I was finished with deGrom. In the second Opening Day start of his career, I’m predicting we see him toss seven innings, strike out 10 batters, and allow only a single earned run. The lone mistake will come on either one bad pitch or a lucky base hit.

Something I think we can all count on—deGrom isn’t going to beat up badly to begin the year.

deGrom had a similar outing to being the 2019 season. Against the Nationals, the reigning and future Cy Young winner went 6 innings, allowed 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 10 batters. He didn’t allow a single run to score either in what became a 2-0 Mets win.

deGrom won’t be quite as lucky this time around. The defending champions will find a way to put a run up against him in the fifth or sixth inning to tie the game at 1.

Fortunately, deGrom will get a little help from a two-run shot before he exits the game.

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