3 big NY Mets X-factors heading into Opening Day that could make or break the season

3) Veterans like Jeff McNeil, Starling Marte, and Jesse Winker as well as the young players who could replace them

Many fans are ready to move on from Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte. The same sentiment should be shared about Jesse Winker although he’s a freshly signed player and more affordable therefore more welcomed. That’s not to trash the addition even if there is proof it might not be the best of ideas considering how badly he hit at times last year and in previous seasons.

All three of these veterans are at risk of having their jobs taken away from younger players. McNeil has a whole lot of young up-and-coming second base options knocking on the door to do more than sell Girl Scout Cookies. Luisangel Acuna has already arrived to the majors and should be the top candidate to bump him off. Later, we’ll see Jett Williams and a healthy Ronny Mauricio vying to do the same.

The Marte and Winker platoon, or at least the proposed plan of one, at the DH spot leaves the Mets much more flexibility for changes. Just about anyone can usurp at-bats from either because of no defensive position associated to the role. Drew Gilbert is at a pivotal point where he could steal an outfielder’s job this year. Jose Siri or even Tyrone Taylor if things don’t go as well as last year could end up seeking new employment.

Some sort of a transition will take place this year between the old and the new. Choosing correctly and knowing when the time is right to make those moves will be the key to this x-factor making the team rather than breaking it.