The New York Mets completely overhauled their lineup this offseason, saying goodbye to Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, while bringing in Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien and Luis Robert Jr. There were some risks with those moves, including a couple of position changes.
But there is at least an expectation that most of the bats will play, no matter what position they are in the field. That is especially true with Polanco, Bichette and Semien.
The X factor in all of this is Robert Jr.
His performance can make-or-break the Mets’ ceiling this season, and on Saturday, he delivered his first big hit of the season in a 4-2 10-inning win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Luis Robert Jr. delivers first big hit with Mets
With the Mets trailing, 2-1, in the bottom of the 10th inning and with two runners on base, Robert Jr. clubbed a game-winning, walk-off three-run home run off rookie pitcher Hunter Barco to give the Mets their second consecutive win to open the season.