3 Mets Opening Day overreactions that could become a reality

2) Overreaction Now, Reality Later: Starling Marte is back

Although one hit isn’t enough to declare Starling Marte “back” he did nearly hit another home run as well. Following a miserable spring training, it’s nice to see one of the more important members of the Mets roster come up with a big hit and nearly a second on an otherwise ineffective day.

Marte is the kind of guy who can completely alter the way the Mets lineup looks. Able to hit at the top or middle as needed, rediscovering the ability of hitting for any power at all is key for him to have a successful year.

It wasn’t a picture perfect day for Marte as he battled the late March sun for a couple of fly balls. He came away on top in those instances and that burning ball of gas is an easy way to reason why the veteran outfielder wasn’t so smooth. An improvement on defense, even just slightly, from last year is another line on the wish list of Mets fans this year.

Durability is what Marte will have to prove to fans. Regular DH appearances will become unavailable once J.D. Martinez is on the roster so it’s all up to Marte’s body to cooperate.