Lucas Duda and Ike Davis were supposed to compete for the Mets’ starting first base job during spring training, but both players were injured for most of the Grapefruit League schedule, so we entered the regular season without a resolution. However, the Mets appear ready to make a choice.
According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, Duda will start at first base Friday and will get a shot to run away with the job. Davis arguably has the greater long-term upside, but the Mets shopped him for most of the winter, which is perhaps of an indication of the front office’s preference.
This is a good time for the Mets to give Duda an extended look, as the club is expected to face all right-handed starters until at least next weekend in Los Angeles. Josh Satin still figures to get most of the at-bats at first base against southpaws regardless of whether the club eventually settles on Duda or Davis.
Duda, 28, entered today’s action with a .246/.341/.423 career batting line.