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Spring training has a whole new feel for the New York Mets this year. Instead of hoping that this will be their year, the Mets enter 2016 with the highest of expectations, both internally and externally. The team’s mindset is much different than in recent years, and that has altered many of the spring training storylines. Here are the five biggest storylines surrounding the Mets this spring.
5. The Many Cars (and horses) of Yoenis Cespedes
Credit: Twitter5. The Many Cars (and horses) of Yoenis Cespedes
Early in spring training, a lot of attention was paid to the crazy cars that Cespedes drove to the ballpark every day, culminating in the Cuban riding a horse one day. This was all fun and games, but manager Terry Collins put a stop to the nonsense at an appropriate time, sending the message that it was time to focus on the season.
4. A Tale of Two Catchers
Credit: Brad Penner - USATODAY Sports4. A Tale of Two Catchers
There was talk early in spring about Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki learning new positions to get them on the field at the same time, and while that talked has died down, having two catchers capable of starting is a dilemma the Mets face. There's been talk of the Mets sending Plawecki To triple-A to start the season to get playing time, so there may not be a firm plan in place for the season.
3. End of the Road for Ruben Tejada
Credit: Getty Images3. End of the Road for Ruben Tejada
Tejada hasn't had a lot of job security the past couple of years, and after the team added two middle infielders this offseason, it seemed likely that he wouldn't survive spring training with the team. Even with Asdrubal Cabrera possibly starting the season on the DL, the Mets were comfortable freeing themselves of the enigmatic infielder after a roller coaster tenure with the team.
2. Outfield Alignment
Credit: Noah K. Murray - USATODAY Sports2. Outfield Alignment
The signing of Cespedes placed great uncertainty on the roles Juan Lagares and Alejandro De Aza would have in New York's outfield this season. Lagares has looked good this spring, but there may not be a lot of playing time available for him. The same is true for De Aza, who has also been the subject of trade rumors throughout the spring. The Mets clearly have depth in their outfield, but there is some uncertainty.
1. David Wright's Health
Credit: Getty Images1. David Wright's Health
With only a little more than two weeks until opening day, Wright finally made his Grapefruit League debut, as his preparation for the season has been slow and steady. The health of the Mets' captain remains a bit of a mystery after receiving a diagnosis of spinal stenosis last year, and his delayed debut in spring adds more uncertainty about how much Wright will be able to play this season.
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