On Sunday versus the Marlins, Jeff McNeil had what Mets manager Luis Rojas described — as would anyone — a “tough” day at third base.
Errant throws, easy balls misplayed, mental lapses, etc — that’s what spring training is for, ultimately.
Naturally, McNeil’s struggles open the question for who — singular or plural — might take the lead at the hot corner for the Mets this season.
A winter focused on depth saw New York add viable, major-league-ready options throughout their roster. The infield was no exception and versatility was a hallmark.
J.D. Davis — initially pegged as the team’s starter at third and still very much in that conversation amidst his 3-for-8 start at the plate this spring — now has competent competition around him in Jonathan Villar, as well as incumbents McNeil and utility-man extraordinaire Luis Guillorme.
Clearly, Rojas has options, which was likely the plan all along considering Davis’ defensive shortcomings at the position (-5 outs above average at third last season; 0 OAA in 2019).
Guillorme is a wizard with the glove virtually anywhere he plays and has been terrific with the bat going back to his most recent recall in August 2019.
McNeil, despite his follies on Sunday, is a more than capable defensive third baseman, statistically (+4 OAA in 2019; -2 OAA in 2020), and his bat carries the distinction of being one of the more consistent in baseball.
Though in the absence of Robinson Cano (PED suspension) and taking into consideration McNeil’s positive metrics at second base, it’s more than likely he ends up there on most days, leaving the rotation at third base in Rojas & Co.’s hands.
Villar didn’t make this decision any easier with his towering three-run homer on Sunday. But keep in mind, the 29-year-old plays both middle infield positions, as well as centerfield, as hasn’t played third base regularly since 2016 (-10 OAA).
Following his team’s 4-4 tie in Port St. Lucie, Rojas spoke on the situation, particularly on McNeil’s escapades and, as per usual, it appears there isn’t much this staff doesn’t have a plan for.
“The versatility is always a strength. We believe in [McNeil’s] ability to play third,” Rojas said. “I know he’s more acclimated playing second base and even left field, but he’s looked well at third in the past.”
“Spring training is for that, just to give a little bit more exposure and make sure that he feels comfortable and he clicks back into the position,” he said. “We can use it as a strength at any point in the season or in a game. We can move things around, keep him in the lineup, insert somebody else into the lineup. But we may see [McNeil] at third again in camp.”
Per the Mets’ early lineup card, Davis is getting the nod at third versus the Nationals in West Palm Beach on Monday. Guillorme has spent time at third, second, and shortstop this spring, landing back at the keystone position on Monday.
On Sunday, Rojas mentioned Villar would likely get “more exposure” at third than McNeil this spring. He’s not in the lineup on Monday, but one can assume he’ll be back in there at some point very soon. Gotta see what you’ve got, right?
Look, it’s never a bad thing to have too many tools in the box, especially when each of those tools performs a very specific task.
In an age where data and matchups hold more weight than ever when constructing a roster or a lineup card, having a wide array of useful options is more likely a luxury than anything else.
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