1 bold prediction for each member of the Mets starting lineup

7) NY Mets prediction for Daniel Vogelbach: Replaced as the DH before July

Maybe it’s wishful thinking. Daniel Vogelbach as the DH just doesn’t jive with what the Mets need out of that spot. By the time we get to July, he’ll be out as the primary DH against right-handed pitchers. He should still get his chances to start and pinch hit. However, someone else will be getting a lot of opportunities.

The Mets do have plenty of internal candidates. Rookies like Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos should challenge for some of those opportunities. He should also see regulars who actually play the field get their share of chances, too.

8) NY Mets prediction for Eduardo Escobar: Almost as many at-bats at DH as he does at 3B

Eduardo Escobar is one of those regular position players who could shift to the DH spot. As long as he hits the way he did at the end of the year, he is in little danger of being replaced completely.

Escobar does seem like a strong candidate to take over a lot of at-bats at the DH spot. Whether he is in a platoon or moves out of the way for Brett Baty to also play third base, it does seem he is trending toward becoming a regular designated hitter.

9) NY Mets prediction for Omar Narvaez: Hits fifth in one game before June

What can we really predict from Omar Narvaez other than some quality starts? Let’s get a little weird with this prediction. Sometime in April or May, there’s going to be a game where he bats fifth.

What the heck is this lineup going to look like? Maybe a jammed thumb keeps one guy out. Another is on the IL. Then there’s another guy who is dealing with a mystery illness that turns out to be the result of undercooked chicken. A Mets lineup with Narvaez batting fifth is going to look weird. Maybe, in part, it has something to do with breaking up the righties and lefties. Expect it on a Sunday.