Mets Youngsters Will Get Guidance From Franchise Icon During Spring Training
There is going to be a lot of pressure on the young New York Mets players this season.
Not pressure that comes with teams expecting to contend for a World Series title, but internal pressure as they look to impress the front office and put their names in the running to be included on this roster for years to come.
The Mets were purposefully idle this offseason as they are waiting for some of their larger contracts to come off their books after 2024 ends.
This will allow them to be aggressive in free agency, once again, as they attempt to put together another contending team.
In the meantime, New York will evaluate how their young prospects perform.
Brett Baty and Mark Vientos are two with some of the highest expectations placed on them after having up and down years in 2023.
Both will be competing for the starting third baseman role in Spring Training, with Baty likely getting the nod and Vientos being used as the designated hitter.
Of course, this is based on them performing well.
Baty massively struggled during his time with the Mets last season and jumped between the MLB roster and their Triple-A affiliate. Vientos had issues at the plate early, before finding his power groove late.
But, these players are going to have a mentor during Spring Training according to Danny Abriano of SNY as franchise icon David Wright said he's going to be an "asset" for these two during camp.
For young players looking to find their way, Wright is the perfect guy to help out and get them headed in the right direction to start the year.
What his role will be with New York after Spring Training ends is unclear, but he made sure to mention it won't be anything in a full-time capacity.
Still, having him around and mentoring the young players is a huge positive for the franchise as they start cycling in prospects to their Major League roster.