Soto is excited to hit behind Francisco Lindor, calling him “one of the best leadoff hitters in the game.” The top of the lineup is already shaping up to be a nightmare scenario for opposing pitchers, with Lindor, Soto, Nimmo and Mark Vientos. They all take a lot of pitches and have power. And while the Mets are still discussing a move for lineup protection — possibly Pete Alonso — Mendoza noted that protection goes both ways.
“As far as protection goes, I see it as who is hitting in front of them as well,” Mendoza said. “If the guys who are hitting in front of him are not getting on base, you know, that’s a way of protecting him, too. And we do have some really good players. So like I said, comfortable with what we have right now.”
The situation with Alonso remains fluid. A market has not yet emerged but it’s expected to soon. The Mets have been vocal about their desire to bring back the homegrown first baseman with Steve Cohen reiterating it Thursday.