Competition is the foundation of every great MLB roster.
When a player knows he has a role on the team whether he slumps or succeeds, he is prone to relaxing a bit more than he should.
On the other hand, when he has to show to the manager, coaches, and the front office that he is better than all the alternatives the team has for that position, that drive will likely bring out the best of him.
The New York Mets have a pretty impressive roster, yet there are spots up for grabs like what happens with almost every team.
That’s why they are extending so many invitations to spring training.
They will have a big camp, as they want to make sure nobody relaxes and everyone is fighting to keep (or win) a roster spot.
“The Mets announced 15 new non-roster invitations to Major League camp, bringing the total to 21. Among the newcomers: last year’s first-round pick Kevin Parada, as well as MLB veteran outfielders Tim Locastro and DJ Stewart. Top outfield prospect Alex RamÃrez will be there, too,” Mets insider Anthony DiComo tweeted.
The Mets announced 15 new non-roster invitations to Major League camp, bringing the total to 21.
Among the newcomers: last year's first-round pick Kevin Parada, as well as MLB veteran outfielders Tim Locastro and DJ Stewart. Top outfield prospect Alex RamÃrez will be there, too.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 2, 2023
Parada is a legitimate prospect and he will get his feet wet in a players’ environment.
Locastro has a chance to secure a role as a reserve outfielder, a position he occupied with the New York Yankees sparingly last year.
The Mets are seen as the favorites to win the NL East division in 2023, but the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies are lurking and represent a real threat.
All three are legitimate World Series contenders.
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Don’t recall when 3 teams in the same division were real WS threats. Mets will have plenty of work to do to keep Braves and Phils behind them. Injection of talent and youth could go long ways to doing just that. Baty eventually taking over 3B, Alvarez eventually becoming the everyday catcher improves the lineup and long term helps offset the out of control payroll.