PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets have “good” options in center field.
That was manager Carlos Mendoza’s response Tuesday when asked to identify his starter at the position.
It’s a group that features a former Gold Glove winner in Harrison Bader, along with incumbent Brandon Nimmo and newly acquired Tyrone Taylor.
“From the beginning we have been having conversations with Brandon, and he’s been very open about it,” Mendoza said. “We all know Brandon, and he will do everything he possibly can to win a game, whether that’s in left, center. … We have got options, and it’s up to me and the coaching staff to put together a plan and talking to the players also to make sure we are putting them in a position for success.”
Bader, who arrived on a one-year contract worth $10.5 million, was among MLB’s best defensive outfielders last season when he recorded nine outs above average as a center fielder, according to Statcast, placing him in MLB’s 95th percentile at the position.
The real question might be whether Nimmo will still play center field on days Bader isn’t in the lineup or if Nimmo would prefer just focusing on playing full-time in left.
“I could see him playing both, I could see him playing left,” Mendoza said. “There is a lot that goes into this decision here — whether it’s matchup-based, off-days, health. All that comes into play when it comes down to writing a lineup.”
Mendoza plans to hold a short meeting Wednesday before the first official workout for pitchers and catchers at Clover Park.
The manager will hold a more extensive meeting Monday before the first full-squad workout.
As someone who spent six seasons on the Yankees’ coaching staff, Mendoza said he understands the passion of New York fans — and embraces it.
“I know what I signed up for,” Mendoza said, referring to the fans. “They are dying [to win]. We want to win as much as they want, too. We understand we’re building that foundation beginning today, and that is going to be the message.
“We’re not winning a championship on Day 1. And we have got to make sure we prepare and build those relationships and start connecting.”
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