First Mets starting lineup of the spring is a fun one

The New York Mets play their first Spring Training game today at 1:05pm against the Houston Astros. The starting lineup doesn’t include too many familiar names. If you slept through the offseason, you won’t recognize very many.

Nonetheless, it’s a fun starting crew they’ll put on the field to begin exhibition action.

First NY Mets starting lineup of spring will give players an early showcase

We have Luis Guillorme, Brett Baty, and Omar Narvaez in the lineup as the most likely ones to make the Opening Day roster. Mark Vientos over at first base is promising in its own way. The more innings he gets in the field, the better.

The rest of the lineup is mostly non-roster invitees. Speedy veteran outfielder Tim Locastro bats second and plays left field with DJ Stewart, a guy with some pop, takes his spot over in right field. Between them we find noted Mets prospect Alex Ramirez. Showing him off this early, even in a second-tier lineup like this, has a fun element. Ramirez is one of those Mets prospects we’ll know a lot more about this season as he continues to make his climb toward the majors.

The lineup finishes off with Jonathan Arauz and Michael Perez playing second base and catcher. Don’t overlook either of them. Arauz could be an infield option for the Mets if they need someone who can play second base or shortstop. Perez will be the first catcher in line to get a promotion if either Narvaez or Nido goes down with an injury.

Seeing Denyi Reyes get the first start of the spring could be a hint of how they plan to use him. The team has plenty of starting pitching depth already. Keeping Reyes lengthened could put him in contention to get some short-term appearances as a starter or long-man out of the bullpen later on this season.

This first Mets lineup of 2023 gives us no taste of what we’ll see in the regular season. Baseball is back, though. And despite lacking star power in the first game, we have a bunch of guys fighting for MLB and 40-man roster spots. Let the internal competitions begin.