For the first time in a while, first base has become a gaping hole for the New York Mets.
Following the stunning offseason departure of Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles, the Mets chose to fill their first-base void differently. The only problem is that it hasn't panned out well for them at all.
New York opted to sign veteran infielder Jorge Polanco to be their starting first baseman, a position he's never played before. Polanco, though, has played just 14 games with the Mets this season due to an Achilles injury that has kept him out since April 14.
While Polanco is expected to be activated off the injured list this week, the Mets don't anticipate the 32-year-old assuming first base duties with his Achilles not 100%. That has resulted in the Amazins' opting to use a rotation of players at the position, starting mainly with Mark Vientos and, most recently, Jared Young.
That is not a sustainable formula, and one the Mets have not been used to for quite a while, given Alonso's durability and production during his seven years in Flushing. The Mets have to find a solution at first base sooner rather than later for the long term. That solution appears to be top prospect Ryan Clifford, who continues to rake in the minor leagues this year.
Why the Mets should consider promoting Ryan Clifford
The heir apparent of Pete Alonso appears to be in Triple-A Syracuse right now. His name? Ryan Clifford.
Clifford is currently ranked as the Mets' No. 3 prospect and is having a spectacular first full season in Triple-A. After homering yesterday for Syracuse, the 22-year-old has now gone deep six times over his last 11 games as he continues to show the Mets' organization that his power is the real deal.
Through 55 games this season, Clifford is slashing .229/.307/.483 with 13 home runs, 35 RBI and an OPS of .790.
The Mets have certainly gone young this season, with Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing solidifying that they belong in the big leagues for the long term. Clifford seems to be proving that down in the minor leagues right now.
New York's offense has been a major disappointment this season, though injuries have been a major factor. They rank 28th in Major League Baseball with a team batting average of .228 and dead last in slugging percentage at .359.
While Ryan Clifford will by no means completely elevate the Mets' offense, adding the young power hitter could inject more youth and excitement like Benge and Ewing have, and help this Mets team climb back into the playoff chase this summer.
