Three Mets who could have a leap year of their own on the field

These three New York Mets players would greatly benefit from having a “leap year” on the baseball field.

Every four years we get an extra day on the calendar. February 29 rolls around only a quarter of our lifetime and we refer to the years when it does occur as a “leap year.” This relates to the New York Mets because there are a few guys on the roster who I believe need to take a leap themselves in 2020.

It’s not a leap off a tall mountain or a dangerous jungle gym. These Mets need to take a leap in their personal game, passing over the men who have been measurably above them in talent for quite some time.

While the urgency of these leaps varies, the success of the 2020 season could heavily hinge on how some of the guys I’ve chosen perform.

Michael Conforto

Michael Conforto has the smallest leap to make. Ask 100 Mets fans what they think about him and at least half will say he’s doing just fine.

A quarter will say he’s going to make a leap this year. The rest think he’s an overrated average outfielder.

Conforto doesn’t have the dazzling numbers of some other major league outfielders, but we can rely on him for solid run production, power, and a high OBP. Conforto walks a ton, strokes home runs, and always seems to do it with a smile.

Before the arrival of Pete Alonso, many believed Conforto was headed in the direction of becoming this franchise’s next David Wright. Soft-spoken, Conforto has been passed by the Polar Bear in terms of popularity, notoriety, and soundbites.

This doesn’t mean Conforto has failed as a leader. He is now one of the longest-tenured position players on the team, further cementing his status with the Mets as a key core member of the franchise. Players seem to respect his opinion and his game.

The next leap Conforto can take is into superstardom. Because he plays the outfield, All-Star bids have been hard to come by. Not to mention, his annual June struggles have also poured water on several opportunities to get to the Midsummer Classic since his lone appearance back in 2017.

If Conforto takes a leap forward, he becomes an MVP candidate. Pair a player of that caliber alongside Alonso but from the left side and this lineup is infinitely more dangerous.