Spring training statistics can sometimes give a false indication of the state of a team.
Teams use early preparation and games as an opportunity to strengthen their pitchers and help players start to feel comfortable at the plate, but it also depends on who makes the team and the roles of certain players heading into the regular season. It can have a big impact.
With two weeks until the end of spring training, the Mets have a few players who stand out among the rest of the roster, and who hurt their stock.
After two weeks of spring training games, here are the strong impressions and flaws from several Mets players.
upward trend
Francisco Alvarez
The Mets' second-year catcher set his sights high after his rookie season, hitting 25 home runs and 63 RBIs. Alvarez wants to improve his bat discipline and defense as he takes on the starter's role.
His early return this spring was encouraging, as the 22-year-old had five hits in 19 at bats (.264 batting average), three home runs, and five RBIs. He also had five runners out on eight stolen base attempts.
Tyrone Taylor
Mets fans are starting to understand what kind of player Taylor is this spring. The outfielder, acquired in an offseason trade with the Brewers, brings sound defense to the outfield — he hasn't committed an error in five major league seasons. He showed his versatility by making plays in all 11 of his chances this spring.
But despite questions about his offensive ability, Taylor had six hits, two walks, one stolen base and two runs scored in 19 at-bats this spring.
Nate Lavender
The 24-year-old left-hander was reassigned to minor league camp, but made a strong impression in his three weeks with the team. Lavender pitched three perfect innings in three appearances, striking out seven batters in the process.
Lavender thrives on deception rather than overpowering with force. After a strong season between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023, Lavender rose to No. 24 in the Mets' prospect rankings and numbers and is set to make his MLB debut at some point this season.
tyler megill
Kodai Chiga's shoulder injury opened the door for him to enter the Mets' starting rotation, and Megill filled that slot early this spring. Megill appeared in four games this spring, pitching 12 innings and allowing one earned run on seven hits and two walks (1.50 ERA).
On Monday night, he was tagged with the loss despite allowing just one run on three hits in four innings. Against the Yankees, Megill pitched three innings with no hits and five strikeouts.
Luis Severino
The Mets are hoping Severino can return to his old form and lead a newly constructed rotation this season. An early return this spring was encouraging, with Severino clocking 98 mph on the radar gun and missing the bat.
Severino, who is scheduled to make his third start of the spring on Tuesday, pitched five innings with five strikeouts, three hits and no runs.
downward trend
phil bickford
The Mets added Bickford at the trade deadline last season, and he will compete for a spot in the team's bullpen this spring. The 28-year-old right-hander doesn't have any minor league options, so his chances of making the team seem better, but the front office has beefed up the ranks of relief pitchers this offseason.
Bickford didn't get off to a great start last week against the Yankees, allowing 4 hits and 3 earned runs in one inning. He improved a bit on Monday with two strikeouts in 2/3 innings.
luke voight
The former Yankees first baseman entered the discussion at the start of spring training and was eyeing a spot in the designated hitter and reserve first base discussions.
Voit played for Triple-A Syracuse late last season, but hasn't been able to find his footing this spring. He has two hits, seven strikeouts, one RBI and two walks in 20 at bats so far this spring.
Shintaro Fujinami
As mentioned earlier, the Mets have a number of relief pitchers looking to grab the last bullpen spot or two. Fujinami, who signed a one-year, $3.35 million contract late this offseason, had a delayed start this spring due to personal issues and visa issues in Japan.
Fujinami did not allow a run in the middle of the week, but he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk, and was unable to play a full inning on Sunday. Fujinami has a minor league option and could start the season at the bottom of the league.
DJ Stewart
The Mets noticed Stewart's potential last season, hitting 10 home runs in 17 games, but outfielders tend to run in hot and cold weather. It was an even colder start to spring for Stewart, who went 3-for-20 (.150 batting average) with five strikeouts and no runs.
