Five Mets Opening Day predictions to begin the 2020 season

Wilson Ramos hits the first home run of the season

The first home run by a Mets player in 2020 will not come off the bat of Pete Alonso. Michael Conforto won’t yank one down the right field line. Robinson Cano won’t even repeat what he did against Max Scherzer in his first at-bat of last year.

Nope. It’s Wilson Ramos who I’m predicting will hit the first round-tripper of the year for the Mets.

With predictions like these, it’s not so much based on fact as much as it is a feeling. There’s something poetic about Ramos—a player deGrom and fellow pitcher Noah Syndergaard weren’t too pleased with in 2019 behind the plate—becoming a hero to start the new season.

And as much as I prefer to avoid poetry, I like it in my sports.

With a pinch-hitter ready to take the next at-bat for deGrom in the bottom of the seventh, I’m predicting Ramos gives the Mets a 3-1 lead with a two-run blast. The Buffalo will remind everyone what a force he is at the plate.

The defense shows up in a big way

A concern many still have for the Mets heading into the new season is the defense. Certainly a weakness, I think on Opening Day we’ll see some positive flashes. At some point, a guy we weren’t expecting to flash much leather this year will make a game-saving catch.

How specific should I be with this prediction? Maybe it’s a diving stop by Pete Alonso at first base to save a potential double. Or maybe we see J.D. Davis track a ball down in left field.

If I had to choose, I would like to see Amed Rosario be the one to make the first highlight grab of the year. His defensive shortcomings were a problem early last year. To see some improvement would definitely bode well for his future with this team.

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Late on Opening Day, someone is going to make a grab to help save the game. Mets fans will be treated to a 3-1 victory, a deGrom win, and the first save from Edwin Diaz of the year.