After turning in a wonderful season that earned him an All-Star berth, it’s easy to forget that Michael Conforto was ticketed to open the season in the minors. Only injuries to other outfielders allowed him to make the Opening Day roster. Of course opportunity is only part of the equation. When presented with the chance, you have to take advantage and produce right away. Here’s how Mets players responded when given a chance in 2017.
Kevin Plawecki – Started the season in the minors but soon found himself in the majors because of an injury. Once again, he didn’t hit (.125/.214/.167) and found himself back in Las Vegas. But a trade has opened the door yet another time. He could get 50 more PA to show the brass … something.
Dominic Smith – Started the year in the minors hitting for a solid average and later added noteworthy power. A trade opened the door for him and while he’s struggling to reach the Mendoza Line, he’s hit 3 HR in 44 PA. Is the prohibitive favorite to be the team’s first baseman in 2018.
Gavin Cecchini – Guys who hit .267 in Las Vegas rarely get a shot and it’s up in the air how much playing time Cecchini will get the remainder of the year. But a trade cracks the door a tiny bit and it’s up to Cecchini to kick it wide open.
Amed Rosario – It’s fun to watch him play, even if it’s clear that he lacks polish to his game. Should be the team’s starter at shortstop for the long term.
Wilmer Flores – Maybe it’s odd to put him on this list but injuries and trades have cemented his playing status. He’s enjoying a good year with the bat although nothing has changed defensively. Remains a fan favorite and one of the big question marks of the offseason will be how or if he fits on the 2018 squad.
Juan Lagares – If it’s odd to see Flores on this list, it’s even stranger to see a guy owed $15.5 million the next two years and with an option for a third year, too. But he’s getting another chance to prove his glove should carry his bat. He’s easily the best defender on the team. He’s also slashing .182/.229/.212 since being activated from the DL. In 1,631 lifetime PA in the majors Lagares has a .663 OPS.
Brandon Nimmo – The first Sandy Alderson draft pick for the Mets has neither lived up to expectations nor gotten much of a shot at regular playing time. The injury to Conforto, combined with earlier trades, paves the way for him to play every day the rest of the season. He’s shown strong on-base skills. Can he show some power and defensive ability to go with them? He now has the best shot to make a case for a larger role in 2018.
Chris Flexen – If before the season started you were to make a list of 20 guys to pitch in the majors for the Mets this year, Flexen’s name may have been missing completely. Yet here he is and holding his own, too. Has a ton of work to do but has made strides in his time here and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make additional ones before the season is over.
Rafael Montero – Finally pitching to spots besides low and away and is having success. It will be curious to see if he can go seven or more innings in a start a few times before the end of the season. If so, he might earn inside position for a rotation slot next year.
Chasen Bradford – The 27-year-old rookie has done better than anyone could have expected yet is pitching for a spot on the 40-man roster at this point.
Erik Goeddel – While he has previous MLB experience, Goeddel is otherwise similar to Bradford.
Paul Sewald – Left exposed to the Rule 5 Draft this past December, it seems likely that Sewald has clinched a spot on the 40-man for this year’s Rule 5. But middle relievers are always just a bad stretch away from being outrighted and Sewald is no different.