Predicting the first NY Mets starting lineup of spring training

New York Mets pitchers and catchers report today and instead of commenting on other men’s bodies, haircuts, and cars they drive, why not look a little further into the future? Not too far. Ignorance of what humanity is doing to the planet is the only thing that’ll help us all sleep well at night. Like you, I don’t want to know what kind of mutant we’ll evolve into because of toxic waste, fossil fuels, and plastic straws.

When the Mets play their first spring training game on February 22, there’s a good chance we will see some of the team’s top players. Last year’s lineup included Francisco Lindor in the number two spot with Pete Alonso right behind him. In retrospect, it’s a pretty potent lineup for a debut in the spring. At the time, it was more of a tryout attempt for many vying for a roster spot. Here’s how it looked with Tylor Megill on the mound:

1) DJ Stewart, RF
2) Francisco Lindor, SS
3) Pete Alonso, 1B
4) Brett Baty, 3B
5) Mark Vientos, DH
6) Jose Iglesias, 2B
7) Trayce Thompson, CF
8) Tomas Nido, C
9) Taylor Kohlwey, LF

So what about this year? Let’s take a stab at predicting who’ll be in the starting nine and on the hill for the Mets.

Predicting the first Mets starting lineup of spring training

Based on last year, we can believe at least two of the regulars will be present. I’m going to leave Francisco Lindor off of it because of his late-season injury. As much as he’d love to play, taking the Brandon Nimmo approach of progressing slowly will benefit him far more. Alonso, on the other hand, will be right in there mashed into the middle of our debut lineup.

1) Luisangel Acuna, SS
2) Mark Vientos, 1B
3) Pete Alonso, DH
4) Brett Baty, 3B
5) Joey Meneses, RF
6) Drew Gilbert, LF
7) Chris Williams, C
8) Donovan Walton, 2B
9) Alex Ramirez, CF

A mix of veterans, new faces who’ll never play in the majors for the team this year, and some prospects sprinkled in. It follows last year’s formula. And on the mound to start it all off will be Brandon Waddell who was signed after a successful stint in the KBO last year.

The first spring training lineup tends to be a shock and cause casual fans to wonder what happened to so many of the club’s most important players. Unless you’re locked in everyday to the Mets, some of these unfamiliar names might require a Google search.

Joey Meneses, Donovan Walton, and Chris Williams all signed fresh minor league deals with the Mets this year, as did Waddell. Ramirez is on one as well, having been non-tendered back in November only to re-sign shortly after. The Mets would be wise to give him significant playing time this spring to get a clearer look at what he can potentially offer in the future.

It’s not a lineup that’ll win a championship, but it sure has the feeling of baseball in February.