Mets Opening Day third base candidates for the 2023 season

2) NY Mets starting third baseman candidate: Luis Guillorme

The New York Mets in 2022 got way better defensively than they ever were in 2021. A big reason why was thanks to the wizardry we saw in the field from Luis Guillorme. Having a really talented glove at the hot corner is what many teams dream of having and the Mets certainly have it in Guillorme.

To go along with his outstanding defense, he also constantly puts together great at bats. With the Mets facing the Miami Marlins on Opening Day, it's expected that we'll see the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, Sandy Alcantara, on the bump for the Fish. Having a guy like Guillorme, who will be able to take long turns at bat to raise Alcantara's pitch count, especially when early in the season most starters don't go that deep into games, can be huge in leading the Mets to a 1-0 start.

The 28 year old batted .273 last season while getting on base at a .351 clip. He might not be able to hit for much power (Guillorme had just two home runs in 102 games last year) but Guillorme won't be used in the lineup to hit home runs.

The Mets lost Luis to an injury for the final month of the season and in the playoffs last year. While other key players like Starling Marte were out, it's tough to argue that being without Guillorme for the stretch run was a big reason why the Amazins fell short when trying to win the National League East and win their Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres.