5 NY Mets spring training storylines that’ll pique everyone’s interest

Welcome to February. Where the snow doesn’t stop coming, every scratch on the finger doesn’t stop bleeding, and New York Mets baseball resumes in the form of spring training. We’re weeks away from exhibition action and what should be an even more intriguing preseason than last year.

Major changes to the Mets roster along with some of the usual situations will make up for some fascinating storylines this spring. These five should pique everyone’s interest.

Five Mets spring training storylines everyone is going to care about

1) Carson Benge earning his spot on the Opening Day roster

It’s probably the biggest thing that can swing the immediate future of the Mets roster. If Carson Benge makes the team, their lineup looks a whole lot different yet equally as difficult to predict. Benge only had a handful of playing time in Triple-A late last year. A conservative approach would be to have someone else man the position to begin the year (still very possible) while waiting for him to get his feet wetter in Triple-A. The biggest mistake the Mets can make here is believing his abilities prematurely.

2) Other prospects or non-roster invites who make a name for themselves

Benge won’t be the only prospect or non-roster invitee in camp. The Mets will have plenty of future, budding stars in the making with them in St. Lucie with no chance to make the club. Nevertheless, it’ll be fun to see them against major league competition. There are also a whole lot of journeymen coming to camp, as per usual. Dylan Ross is the prospect with the best chance to make the team with Nick Morabito, who is already on the 40-man roster, as someone who could see time in the majors soon enough. As far as non-roster invitees go, how can you not be even a little intrigued by Craig Kimbrel?

3) Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, and Brett Baty at new positions

Bo Bichette at third base. Jorge Polanco at first base. Brett Baty in left field. Each will be a mostly new position and a likely Opening Day defensive alignment for the Mets. Spring training will give us a first glimpse of how well they can (or cannot) play the position. A good prediction: one dazzles, one looks horrific, and a third has a highlight that’ll have us wondering why he never played there before. Any guesses who fits each billing?

4) Battles for roster spot 25 and 26

Spring training is about more than getting in shape for the season. The roster battles are always intriguing with the final two spots often throwing the heaviest punches. The Mets should have multiple roster spots up for grabs. The battles for roster spots 25 and 26 may involve a bench bat and a reliever. Do they go with some speed and defensive versatility for the former? Do the Mets take a chance on a non-optional reliever to fill the rest of their bullpen? It’s these exhibition games that’ll help determine the final call.

5) How the ex-Mets are doing with their new teams

The ongoing storyline this year and the next several will be how Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, and Brandon Nimmo do with their teams. Heck, if Jeff McNeil is batting .400 with the Athletics in the spring, we’re going to pay attention. Spring training statistics are about as meaningless as a lipstick on a pig for established veterans. Nevertheless, we’re going to watch closely and come to some untrue conclusions. We’re fans, after all.