2014 New York Mets - Lineup Overview

2014 is a season of change for the New York Mets, moving past the anemic lineup of 2013.  The Mets brought in two outfielders each capable of hitting 25-30 home runs in Curtis Granderson and Chris Young. Assuming the roster we see today is the Opening Day roster, there is a lot of talent and untapped potential just waiting to released. Led by Captain America David Wright, Daniel Murphy and newly acquired Curtis Granderson, the Mets will be a competitive bunch this season with a few fantasy draftworthy guys to scout. The two notable position battles are at first base (between Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Josh Satin) and in center field (between Eric Young, Jr. and Juan Lagares). The first base battle may be decided by a trade, while in center field EY and Lagares will go head-to-head in the spring.

Hitter Projections & Fantasy Analysis

C - Travis d'Arnaud

His rookie year should be typical-- an up-and-down season where he ultimately is not worthy of a fantasy draft pick unless you play in a dynasty format. He is going to be a good hitter when he is healthy but he will need to adjust to major league pitching first.

2013 Stats: BA: .202, OBP: .286, SLG: .263, H: 20, R: 4, HR: 1, RBI: 4, SB: 0

2014 Projections: BA: .265, OBP: .315, SLG: .400, H: 125, R: 60, HR: 13, RBI: 60, SB: 3

1B - Ike Davis

Davis has been through a whirlwind over the past two seasons including, two long and miserable season-opening slumps. There is no disputing that when Davis is going right he can carry a team for a week with his power all over the field, but he can sink a team equally as quickly when he is not right. If he has a starting job in April, he is worth a late-round flier in your draft, but nothing more than that. I expect a bounceback season.

2013 Stats: BA: .205, OBP: .326, SLG: .334, H: 69, R: 37, HR: 9, RBI: 33, SB: 4

2014 Projections: BA: .245, OBP: .345, SLG: .450, H: 115, R: 76, HR: 24, RBI: 79, SB: 5

2B - Daniel Murphy

Murphy has been the most consistent Met over the past couple of years. He hits for a good average, a lot of doubles, but not much power. He is a solid value pickup at a weak position; I’d draft Murphy in the 12th or 13th round.

2013 Stats: BA: .286, OBP: .319, SLG: .415, H: 188, R: 92, HR: 13, RBI: 78, SB: 23

2014 Projections: BA: .300, OBP: .330, SLG: .425, H: 190, R: 90, HR: 15, RBI: 85, SB: 18

3B - David Wright

Wright is the only star on this Met team. He hits for average, power, has some speed and plays a very good third base. He had some injuries last season which led to diminished stats, but expect a return to normalcy this season. Look for Wright in the second round.

2013: BA: .307, OBP: .390, SLG: .514, H: 132, R: 63, HR: 18, RBI: 58, SB: 17

2014 Projections: BA: .310, OBP: .400, SLG: .545, H: 180, R: 95, HR: 25, RBI: 105, SB: 20

SS - Ruben Tejada

Tejada had as bad a season in 2013 as possible, and it couldn’t get much worse in 2014. Tejada has some speed, some pop and a very good glove. Hopefully he develops enough to not be a dead spot in the lineup, however I don’t see him being a valuable asset to any fantasy team. Do not draft Tejada.

2013 Stats: BA: .202, OBP: .259, SLG: .260, H: 42, R: 20, HR: 0, RBI: 10, SB: 2

2014 Projections: BA: .235, OBP: .285, SLG: .300, H: 110, R: 45, HR: 3, RBI: 35, SB: 15

OF - Curtis Granderson 

The newly acquired Granderson is an excellent addition to this Met team. He brings leadership, sound fielding and a live bat. He has proven statistics in a cavernous ballpark having played in Detroit a few seasons ago; if he can cut down on the strikeouts, he will be a stud. I would target Grandy in the ninth round or so.

2013 Stats:BA: .229, OBP: .317, SLG: .407, H: 49, R: 31, HR: 7, RBI: 15, SB: 8

2014 Projections: BA: .240, OBP: .330, SLG: .455, H: 160, R: 85, HR: 20, RBI: 90, SB: 15

OF - Chris Young

Young was a boom-or-bust signing by Alderson, but at worst Young will bring some power to a lacking lineup. He has big power potential and runs very well, so if he gets right we could have a Raul Mondesi type on our hands. Do not draft, but monitor closely if he starts off hot.

2013 Stats: BA: .200, OBP: .280, SLG: .379, H: 67, R: 46, HR: 12, RBI: 40, SB: 10

2014 Projections: BA: .225, OBP: .295, SLG: .400, H: 120, R: 60, HR: 22, RBI: 70, SB: 18

OF - Eric Young, Jr.

Young proved to be a sparkplug leadoff hitter in 2013 and one that should have fans excited to watch. He steals a ton of bases and gets on base enough to be valuable. You can probably wait until the 15th round to grab Young, but that has potential to be a steal at that draft position.

2013 Stats: BA: .249, OBP: .310, SLG: .336, H: 134, R: 70, HR: 2, RBI: 32, SB: 46

2014 Projections: BA: .275, OBP: .326, SLG: .355, H: 150, R: 80, HR: 4, RBI: 50, SB: 45

OF / 1B - Lucas Duda

Duda has been a disappointment since coming up to the big leagues. He has always left us wanting more, but I am beginning to think we have seen all the Duda has to offer. He is a below-average fielder who has an average bat and is probably best suited for a pinch hitting role. If he lands a starting job, he could have some appeal off the waiver wire. Do not draft.

2013 Stats: BA: .223, OBP: .352, SLG: .415, H: 71, R: 42, HR: 15, RBI: 33, SB: 0

2014 Projections: BA: .240, OBP: .340, SLG: .380, H: 100, R: 34, HR: 11, RBI: 35, SB: 2