New York Mets: 5 Breakout Players to Watch in 2014

By Matt Musico                                 4 hours ago

                                        

COMMENTARY | Optimism surrounds the New York Mets heading into 2014. The organization is hoping for its first winning season since 2008.

There are still many questions that need to be answered in Port St. Lucie prior to opening day on March 31. Position battles are set to occur at first base, the outfield and shortstop. There will also be a wide open competition for a few spots in the bullpen.

Here are five players that could burst onto the scene in 2014 to help the Mets put together a winning record:

Juan Lagares

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson recently said the starting outfield will be awarded to the three best offensive players, according to a report from ESPN New York. For Juan Lagares to be included, he needs to show an improvement from his .242/.281/.352 line in 121 games played in 2013.

He hit well in 114 Dominican Winter League at-bats, posting a .342/.379/.412 line. He’s adjusted well to the next level of competition throughout his time in the minors, and it should continue here. As long as he can get into more hitter’s counts, his offense will improve to acceptable standards. Couple that with his superb defense, and he will be a crucial piece to the Mets’ lineup.

Vic Black

As it’s currently constructed, New York’s bullpen consists of many hard-throwing relievers that are young and mostly unproven, headlined by Vic Black. He only has 17 big league innings under his belt, but has impressed with his control and mid-90s fastball.

Mike Petriello of FanGraphs thinks Black is destined to be a closer. As he continues gaining experience, he could very well end up there. Having either Kyle Farnsworth or Jose Valverde setting up for current closer Bobby Parnell will allow Black to grow as a pitcher while getting on-the-job training from a veteran hurler. He will give Terry Collins the confidence needed to put him into high-leverage situations late in games.

Wilmer Flores

Playing time in the big leagues will be tougher to come by for Wilmer Flores. The only position in flux where he could make a significant impact is at shortstop, a place where many feel is not a fit for him. His dedication this winter to offseason training could help him become a valuable bench player, while also getting consistent at-bats.

He’s gained enough quickness and speed at a fitness and nutrition camp in Michigan that shortstop is back in the conversation. Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported that Alderson is open to giving Flores reps at the position, especially with Ruben Tejada’s future with the organization currently up in the air.

If he shows he can handle shortstop, Terry Collins could then use him at four different infield positions. He could be a useful offensive weapon to have off the bench, and could get consistent playing time at multiple positions around the diamond.

Jeurys Familia

Being in the bullpen is something Jeurys Familia is still getting used to, but he’s another hurler with a mid-90s fastball that can make hitters swing-and-miss. The biggest issue with him is his control – through 23 career big league innings, he owns a BB/9 rate of 7.0.

Bernie Pleskoff of MLB.com scouted Familia in the Arizona Fall League and feels he needs to fix inconsistencies in his delivery to correct this flaw. More time on the mound will help create the muscle memory necessary to have a clean and repeatable delivery. An arm injury kept him on the disabled list most of 2013, his first year of being exclusively a reliever.

Having his health intact for 2014, he’s ready to make strides and become a crucial piece of the bullpen.

Travis d’Arnaud

The top catching prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, Travis d’Arnaud is ready to make his mark in the majors. He admitted to Kristie Ackert of New York Daily News that he was trying to do too much at the plate in 2013, leading to a disappointing .202/.286/.263 line.

D’Arnaud was also more concerned with gaining the trust of his pitching staff instead of his offense, which he was able to do in his 31 games with the Mets last season. Now knowing what it’s like to be in the majors, he can now focus on taking a breath and simplifying his swing at the plate.

That realization and wisdom from his brief big league experience will go a long way as he begins his first full season as New York’s starting catcher.