Mets: Three J.D. Davis predictions for the 2021 season

After an offseason full of trade rumors, J.D. Davis appears to be set as the New York Mets starting third baseman heading into the 2021 season.

Originally drafted by the Houston Astros, Davis was traded to the New York Mets prior to the 2019 season, where he quickly became a fixture in the team’s lineup, splitting time between third base and left field.

Since joining the Mets, Davis has quickly built up a reputation for himself as a hot bat and someone who knows how to get on base, with an OBP of .370 over his two years in New York.

While he has a lot of offensive prowess, Davis has been an average defender as part of the infield, but still, Davis is early on in his career and has plenty of room to improve.

Heading into his third year with the Mets and with a full season ahead of him, 2021 is set to be a make or break year for Davis, with an opportunity for him to become a mainstay in New York.

With a world of talent and potential coming into the year, here are three predictions for Davis with the Mets in 2021.

J.D. Davis will start over 120 games at third base for the Mets

Davis starting 120 games at third base would not just be a big milestone for himself, but for the Mets as a team as well.

The last Met to start over 120 games at third base in a single season was David Wright in 2014, who manned 133 games total at the position.

After Wright, the only player to come close to breaking the 120-mark was Todd Frazier, who appeared in 109 games at third during the 2018 season.

Davis reaching this feat would signal several big things for both himself and the Mets as a team.

Firstly, for Davis to play 120 games at third would mean that his defense has improved to the point the Mets are comfortable playing him there consistently as opposed to other members of the roster, such as Jeff McNeil or Johnathan Villar.

Secondly, it would also signal that Davis’ offensive production has continued giving the Mets a good reason to keep him in the lineup.

And lastly, for Davis to start this many games means the Mets have finally found a consistent hand a third, after several seasons of the position being a revolving door for New York.