1 prediction for each of the Opening Day starters

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.