Following up on the last 2024 Mets Positional Profile that looked at the Infield, let’s now take a look across the Outfield (OF) and Designated Hitter (DH) positions. Similar to the rest of the roster, there is undoubtedly talent in these spots but also question marks.  The 2024 critical success factors for this group revolve around health and offensive production.  If the outfield stays healthy, it will be very good defensively and help the pitching staff immensely. However, given the recent injury histories of 2/3 of the projected starters (Harrison Bader and Starling Marte), there will be ample opportunities for others to see the field too.

Left Field (LF): Most top-notch Center Fielders would scoff at the notion of moving to Left Field.  Not Brandon Nimmo.  He moved without an issue as it was best for the team, and is now positioned (no pun intended) as one of the best LF’s in the league.  If first baseman Pete Alonso signs a long-term extension after this year, Alonso likely has the fast track to being the next Captain of the team; however, Nimmo (and Lindor for that matter) would and should also be in the conversation.  Nimmo’s power numbers have steadily improved over the past few years, with home runs increasing to 24 in 2023 to go along with an OPS of .829.  Nimmo has played in over 150 games in each of the last two seasons, and never stops hustling (watch him run to first after a walk if you need proof).  He is the star of the Mets Outfield and should evoke the most confidence from Mets fans. On the rare occasions where he does not play, Tyrone Taylor (a name you’ll see a few times in this article) can step in as a right-handed hitter with a solid glove to complement Nimmo’s lefty bat.  Jeff McNeil also has experience in LF but will provide more value to the team at 2B.

Center Field (CF): As a new addition to the team and the Mets starting outfield this year, Harrison Bader comes with a Gold Glove-winning defensive resume.  There are also intangibles at play here.  Bader knows Pete Alonso well as he was a teammate of Alonso’s at the University of Florida, and as a NY native it means a lot to play in New York.  Unfortunately, Bader should not be expected to play a full season, as the last time he topped 100 games in a season was 2021 (in 2023 he played 98 between the Yankees and Reds), and he hasn’t hit for much power (7 HR in 2023) or for average (.232 in 2023) lately.  In the games where Bader doesn’t play, Nimmo can slide over from LF without missing a beat, and Tyrone Taylor as well as Trayce Thompson can fill in too.  

Right Field (RF): The Mets need a solid bounce back season from Starling Marte in RF this season.  While I want to believe that he’ll recover well and play a ton of games back at an All-Star level, he is not getting any younger at 35 while coming off a significant groin injury that hampered him in 2023.  Last season he slashed .248/.301/.324 after his 2022 All-Star season where he slashed .292/.347/.468 to go with 16 HR’s.  He’s shown a few (very few) flashes in Spring Training, in particular legging out a bunt single and showing a rifle arm from RF (in the same game/inning).  If he needs significant rest during the season or struggles to regain form, which the Mets need to be ready for, the onus moves over to DJ Stewart, who can also try LF and a bit of 1B to increase his chances of seeing the field outside of DH at-bats.  Trayce Thompson can provide depth here.

Designated Hitter (DH): Welcome to the stage, Mark Vientos.  The DH spot for the Mets has been a bit of a revolving door, and though I would have loved a reunion with Justin Turner (who signed with the Blue Jays) as 3B insurance/potential DH, the team seems committed to giving Vientos every chance to win the DH job.  While he has shown some flashes of power in Spring Training, consistently delivering in the regular season will be the only thing that will quiet the critics.  The next option internally would be DJ Stewart, and the DH spot could be used to give some players a day-off from playing in the field (like Marte).  There are also a few other experienced players in Ji Man Choi and Luke Voit (if they stick with the big league team). This is not a high-confidence spot in the lineup for Mets fans.  It’s been a roller coaster through the off-season, with the on again/off again/maybe on again potential signing of JD Martinez, and the recent debates around JD Davis (who is reportedly signing with the A’s).  We’ll never know if the hesitation to bring in a DH from outside the organization is more about giving the younger guys like Vientos a shot, or if the 110% Cohen luxury tax is actually playing a role.  I’d argue that the current setup is still an improvement vs. last season, with Daniel Vogelbach now in Toronto with the Blue Jays.

Overall, the Opening Day outfield for the 2024 Mets has a good chance of looking very different by the end of 2024.  The determining factor is going to be versatility, with players like Taylor and Thompson potentially playing in multiple outfield spots depending on need for the particular game or driven by injuries.  The longer the core of Nimmo/Bader/Marte stays healthy, the better it will be all around for this team that will be looking for offensive firepower with strong defensive from the Outfield.  The DH spot will continue to be one to watch as well, with Vientos getting his chance.

The next installment of the 2024 Mets Positional Profile will focus on the pitching staff.  Until then, Let’s Go Mets!

Stats by baseball-reference.com

By : Jason Krom

Photo Credits; YouTube, Gators Wire, New York Times, CBS News