PORT STREET LUCIE — The Mets have a “good” option in center field.
That’s what coach Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday when asked who would be the starter at that position.
In addition to former Gold Glove winner Harrison Bader, this is a group that includes incumbent Brandon Nimmo and newly acquired Tyron Taylor.
“We’ve been talking to Brandon from the beginning and he’s been very open about it,” Mendoza said. “We all know Brandon and he’s going to do everything he can to win the game, whether it’s in left wing or center field. … We have options, put together a plan, talked to the players, It’s up to me and my coaching staff to lead them to success.”
Bader, who joined on a one-year contract worth $10.5 million, was one of the best defensive outfielders in MLB last season with an above-average nine outs as a center fielder, according to Statcast. He was in the 95th percentile.
The real question may be whether Nimmo will play center on days when Bader is not in the lineup, or whether Nimmo wants to commit to playing left field full-time.
“I saw him play both ways, I saw him play on the left,” Mendoza said. “There are a lot of things that go into this decision: matchups, days off, health, etc. All of those things come into play when it comes to writing the lineup.”
Coach Mendoza is scheduled to hold a short meeting Wednesday before pitchers and catchers have their first official practice at Clover Park.
The coaches are scheduled to have a more extensive meeting on Monday before the first full practice.
Mendoza, who spent six seasons on the Yankees’ coaching staff, said he understands and embraces the passion of New York fans.
“I know what I signed for,” Mendoza said of the fans. “They are dying. [to win]. As much as they want us to win, we want to win too. We know we’re building that foundation starting today, and that’s the message.
“You’re not going to win a championship on day one, and you’ve got to make sure you’re prepared and start building relationships and connecting.”
