2021 NY Mets: Albert Almora Jr. Quietly Enjoying a Nice Spring

Now, I know you had to do a double-take when you saw the words Albert Almora and slugger together, but hear me out. I understand over his five-year big-league career, Almora has posted just a .707 OPS and .398 SLG. 

However, through 27 spring at-bats, Almora has posted a .841 OPS, four of his seven hits have been for extra-bases, and two of them have been home runs. One of those homers was a laser three-run shot in the team’s 5-4 loss to the Houston Astros on Monday afternoon in West Palm Beach.  

2021 NY Mets: The Chili Effect

Earlier in camp, Mets manager Luis Rojas said he’s really like what he’s seen from the outfielder thus far, and he feels a reunion with hitting coach Chili Davis and some more consistency can help the Mets get the Almora they expect to have.

While working with Chili as the Cubs’ hitting coach during the 2018 season, Almora put together one of his better offensive seasons, posting a .286/.323/.378 slash line, which was good enough for a .701 OPS. 

Upon arriving at camp earlier this month, Almora told reporters, he’s looking forward to working with a familiar face here in the Big Apple.

"Chili’s been great. I’m super excited to work with a familiar persona. He kind of knows my swing, and he knows the adjustments I’ve been making this offseason," the outfielder said.

I may have picked up on some of those adjustments Almora spoke of while looking back at some of his at-bats from last spring with the Cubs. As you can see in the picture in the tweet below, Almora definitely looks like he tweaked a few things at the plate over the offseason.

Almora seems to be holding his hands a bit higher, and it looks like he’s standing a little bit more upright at the plate. This is just a few spring training at-bat’s though, so this will definitely be something to keep an eye on throughout the rest of camp and early on in the regular season.

2021 NY Mets: What ‘Tico" Brings to this Team

With the roster shaping up the way it is, Almora figures to find himself in a bench role, likely serving as the Mets" fourth outfielder to begin the regular season. While Almora may not be a star here in New York, he certainly brings some solid upside to the table.

Let’s remember he is still just 27-years old and a former first-round draft pick. The glove is absolutely going to play out there in center. He has looked very solid defensively throughout camp as well, making some stellar running/diving catches.

You could easily make the argument that he is one of, if not the best defensive outfielders on this 2021 NY Mets roster. 

If these adjustments hold up, and Chili can help Almora rediscover his form, maybe find some untapped power potential, and bounce back at the plate, he could end up being a really solid piece for the 2021 NY Mets.

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