1 prediction for each of the Opening Day starters

1 prediction for NY Mets first baseman Pete Alonso: Return of the 40 home run season

Nobody hit 40 home runs for the Mets last year. And if anyone is going to do it, Pete Alonso is the guy.

I won’t be bold enough to predict Alonso wins another home run title although he’s probably going to be a Home Run Derby Champion yet again.

Swatting 40 home runs is no small feat. He’s going to go head-to-head with McCann and his runs scored total—not that anyone other than us will notice or care.

1 prediction for NY Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil: The light-hitting, high-average guy returns

I’ve got a lot of confidence in Jeff McNeil. After the struggles of 2021, some began to question his abilities. Most notably, it was the front office that thought about trading him this offseason. They never did and I’m predicting they’ll be satisfied enough with the decision.

McNeil will play a lot of second base this year, fill in at corner outfield spots, and even see some third base and DH action. He’ll return to his light-hitting, high-average ways. The best version of McNeil there is!

Mark him down for 10 home runs and a .295 batting average this year. It’s not .300 but it’s a nice change from the 2021 version.

1 prediction for NY Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor: His season numbers match what he did in 2017

There are three different Francisco Lindor eras. There was the high-average, lower power one from the first two. The middle there included a lower yet still good batting average and a lot of power. Then there are the last two seasons where he saw all of his offensive numbers sink.

In year two with the Mets, I’m predicting Lindor looks like the 2017 model.

That year, Lindor slashed .273/.337/.505 with 33 home runs and 89 RBI. These aren’t insanely impossible numbers for him to achieve. If the rest of the team does their job, it should be more than enough.

1 prediction for NY Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar: A so-so season with pop

Eduardo Escobar has only a few quality seasons in his past. He was a late-bloomer so it’s understandable why it took him until his age 28 season to hit 20 home runs. He has been a decent power hitter since, knocking 35 in 2019 and another 28 last year. For the 2022 Mets, I’ll predict we get around 23 long balls out of him.

Escobar’s best power totals came during his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks who play in a hitter’s ballpark. Citi Field won’t be as nice.

Some will feel underwhelmed by Escobar’s batting average which at its best will be close to .250. It’s only temporary. The Mets have some young kids for third base.

1 prediction for NY Mets outfielder Mark Canha: The same as Eduardo Escobar

Mark Canha’s best skill is his ability to get on base. He can also add some home runs but on a more limited basis than Escobar has in the recent past. Neither will completely turn the Mets lineup into a powerhouse. They are pieces to fill in holes.

Canha will have a sub-.250 batting average and possibly a .350 OBP or higher. He replaces what Michael Conforto left with in this regard. What Canha won’t be able to do is make up for the lost power.

Those who appreciate certain statistics will love Canha. Others will be disappointed and wonder why the Mets didn’t trade for Mike Trout. We can mute those people.

1 prediction for NY Mets outfielder Starling Marte: He loses a step yet remains really good

Starling Marte is getting older and with it should come fewer stolen bases. Players of his skillset often breakdown around now. Sadly, we’ll see signs of it in 2022.

There is no way he steals 47 bases again this year. Not a chance. Can he swipe 30? Let’s take it!

Marte’s speed is wonderful to have but not needed as much as his bat. If he hits .280 or better, finds ways to get on base, and plays good defense it’ll all be worth it. Last season was a spectacular year for him. We won’t get the same thing in 2022 but we can get a good outfielder.

1 prediction for NY Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo: A career-high batting average

Look at the numbers. Brandon Nimmo is trending in the right direction. Once a guy who didn’t hit for average and relied on walks has now evolved into much more.

Nimmo hit .280 in 2020 and followed it up by hitting .292 last year. Wow! Who saw this coming? Not team “Nimmo is a fourth outfielder” for sure.

This year, he raises the stakes even higher. Nimmo will hit .298. Of course, with an annual injury, it won’t come in much more than about 450-500 plate appearances.