The 2024 New York Mets have a strategy of utilizing their entire roster, which has its advantages. They aren’t aiming to replicate the Atlanta Braves, where every player is available daily. However, the Mets may be experiencing drawbacks as their players contend with injuries and extended periods of poor performance.
The Mets operate effectively as a cohesive unit by employing regular rotations or scheduling rest days for their starters. This approach has proven beneficial in maintaining the health of injury-prone players and potentially boosting productivity among certain individuals.
In summary, the Mets have revealed themselves as a team willing to utilize their full roster as needed. Recent performances suggest that one player merits increased playing time, another might benefit from reduced playing time, and a third could be considered for demotion.
The Mets don’t need to sit Harrison Bader as much as they do
Harrison Bader, the Mets’ starting center fielder, often finds himself on the bench, which is understandable given his injury history. However, recently, the other outfielders have struggled to justify their spots in the starting lineup. This has led to suggestions that Bader could benefit from more consistent playing time. It’s challenging for a player to stay in form when they go from hot to sitting out the next day.
Comparatively, Tyrone Taylor seems best suited as a backup outfielder. While he has his strengths, there are few scenarios where he outperforms Bader, especially since both are right-handed hitters and there’s no clear platoon advantage to consider.
Bader has been one of the Mets’ most reliable hitters, currently batting .271 for the season. Despite being known for hitting left-handed pitchers well, he boasts a .300 average in 140 plate appearances against right-handers, compared to .224 against lefties.
As someone who’s transitioned from skepticism to support (a “Baderhater” to a “Baderliever”), it’s evident that Bader has earned the opportunity to play center field regularly for the Mets. Allowing him a day off each week should suffice to keep him fresh and productive.
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