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The re-signing of Yoenis Cespedes gives the New York Mets the type of impact bat they need in the middle of their lineup. Of course, while they’ve retained Cespedes, other parts of New York’s roster have changed since the end of last season which will lead to shakeups in their lineup. But now that Cespedes is back and the Mets are likely done making moves this offseason, here’s a look at what their batting order in 2016 may look like.
1. Curtis Granderson, Right Field
Anthony Gruppuso - USATODAY SportsGranderson isn't the ideal leadoff man, but the Mets don't have any other options. With his power numbers last season, it'd be great to put Granderson down in the order, but he did a great job last season of changing his approach and getting on base at a high rate. If he can keep that up this year, the Mets will be fine with Granderson continuing to hit leadoff.
2. Neil Walker, Second Base
Getty ImagesThe Mets could put Walker just about anywhere in the order, but the two-hole is his most familiar place in the lineup and it'll be nice for the Mets to have a switch-hitter in that spot. Terry Collins sometimes likes to place his best hitter second in the lineup, but he'd be wise to hit Walker second and try to make him comfortable early in his tenure in New York.
3. Yoenis Cespedes, Center Field
Getty ImagesCespedes figures to do the most damage batting third. Most assume he'll hit cleanup, but Collins will want him to get as many at-bats as possible so he'll hit third. This should give Granderson and Walker better pitches to hit and also help out the hitters directly behind him. Cespedes playing in center field most days isn't ideal, but the Mets will live with it as long as he is anywhere near as good as he was in August and September last season.
4. Lucas Duda, First Base
Caylor Arnold - USATODAY SportsDuda's propensity for being streaky can be frustrating at times, but opposing pitchers have to fear and respect his power which makes him the best fit for the cleanup spot. Duda had an .870 OPS batting fourth last season, and outside of a hot April, his most productive months were in August and September when Cespedes was in the lineup. Hitting those two back-to-back is going to be what's best for the Mets.
5. David Wright, Third Base
Evan Habeeb - USATODAY SportsWright could easily hit second, third or fourth, but it'll be best if he hits fifth. Putting him there will help Duda get pitches to hit and allow Collins to alternate between righties and lefties through the middle of the order. Batting Wright down in the order will also help him put less pressure on himself to produce, as having big bats in front of him will send the message that he doesn't have to carry the team by himself. Also, with Wright needing frequent off-days to rest his back, the Mets can avoid shuffling everyone around on days he's not in the lineup.
6. Michael Conforto, Left Field
Brad Penner - USATODAY SportsWith Cespedes back, Conforto won't take on such a huge role in New York's lineup, as there's no need to bat him up in the order and he's likely to sit against lefties in favor of Juan Lagares. That being said, most days Conforto will be sixth in the lineup, hoping that his promising rookie season provides some protection for Wright. With Conforto in this spot, Collins can continue to go right-left-right-left, and if the youngster can pick up where he left off last season, the Mets will have good depth in their lineup.
7. Travis d'Arnaud, Catcher
Brad Penner - USATODAY SportsIf d'Arnaud can stay healthy, the Mets will have a really deep lineup if he's hitting seventh, as his production in 67 games last season extrapolated over a full season will make him an All-Star caliber catcher. On days that Wright sits, d'Arnaud will be able to move into his spot in the lineup with Wilmer Flores sliding into the No. 7 spot. But ideally, d'Arnaud will be healthy and hitting seventh, giving the Mets rather impressive depth in their lineup.
8. Asdrubal Cabrera, Shortstop
Kim Klement - USATODAY SportsThe Mets are hoping they won't need to get much offensively out of Cabrera, but they could do a lot worse in the No. 8 spot. After a couple down seasons, Cabrera had a productive year in 2015, so if he can replicate those numbers the Mets will be in good shape.
9. Pitcher's Spot
Brad Penner - USATODAY SportsMuch like last season, the Mets figure to be one of the most productive teams in the National League in the No. 9 spot of the order. Both Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz are more than capable hitters. Matt Harvey can do some damage with a bat as well, and if Noah Syndergaard gets a hold of one he has the power to hit it a long way. Even Bartolo Colon had his fair share of moments with the bat last season, so if nothing else, the Mets know the pitcher's spot in the lineup will not be void of productivity in 2016.
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