Projected Mets 2016 Lineup

Now that Yoenis Cespedes is somehow back in the fold, the Mets have a very formidable lineup. Here’s one possible order Terry Collins could use:

Curtis Granderson (L)
David Wright (R)
Yoenis Cespedes (R)
Lucas Duda (L)
Travis d’Arnaud (R)
Michael Conforto (L)
Neil Walker (SW)
Asdrubal Cabrera (SW)

I am still not thrilled with Granderson batting leadoff; I would much rather have his power bat in the middle of the lineup. But neither Walker nor Cabrera are leadoff material, so it is likely Granderson again.

Conforto could move up in the lineup as the season progresses, depending on how he is doing. He could slide right into the number three slot between Wright and Cespedes, further lengthening the lineup. But that is a little too much pressure to put on an almost rookie (he exceeded his rookie limit last season) to open a season. Better to put him down in the lineup, let him get comfortable, then move him up.

In any case, this is a very balanced lineup. And unlike previous seasons, there are no sure outs in this lineup. If everything comes together, 2016 could really be a season of the ages for the Mets.