BY MIKE RIFKIN
The Mets have been a major disappointment in Baseball this season. But since the All -Star Break they have played better, and have won eight of eleven games. (Now this is not a standings article although I should mention they’re 11 out and can make up some ground against the Padres). The Mets are looking ahead to 2027, and fans are trying to gauge what roster needs there will be.
We know that young players such as AJ Ewing, Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, and Christian Scott will be on the roster. But one player who has had a bigger impact on the team than anyone would’ve guessed is Jared Young. In 218 at bats Young has eight homers and 29 RBI’S along with a .271/.340/.454 slash line and a .794 OPS (On base +Slugging%). Young has provided more at first base than anyone who has manned the position for the Mets this season.
But with September first coming (rosters expand) will the Mets call up Ryan Clifford? Clifford, the 16th ranked prospect in the system, post trade deadline was acquired when the Mets sent Justin Verlander back to Houston. Clifford is not having the greatest season in Syracuse, he has a slash line of .177/.271/.349 with 16 homers and 51 RBI’S. The Mets plan the rest of the way is to look at the young players and see what they are. But, what does that do to Young?
Young can play basically three positions : first base, a corner outfield spot and DH. Now going into next year he will not nor should he be a fourth outfielder. With Soto, Ewing, and Benge the outfield is set. If the Mets determine Clifford needs more time to develop Young could be a part of a first base platoon. And if that’s the case the Mets are going to have to figure out what they’re going to do with players like Jorge Polanco and Mark Vientos. Jared Young has used his opportunity to showcase himself and he’s done a really nice job. If he were to take a smaller role on the Mets in 27, it could benefit massively.
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