Eric Young Jr. went 0-for-3 with a strikeout as the Mets' leadoff hitter Sunday. It's not looking good for Young, even though he was the favorite to open the season as the Mets' left fielder and leadoff hitter. He's batting just .237, and while his .326 OBP isn't bad, he's scored a modest four runs in 13 games. Juan Lagares has outplayed him, as has leadoff alternative Chris Young, so E.Y. should be a fourth outfielder initially.

Eric Young Jr. went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, dropping his spring average to .241. All indications were that Terry Collins wanted Young to beat out Juan Lagares for a starting job this spring, mostly because he'd be the better leadoff option. Unfortunately for him -- but very fortunate for the Mets -- Lagares is outhitting Young and playing his usual stellar defense. He went 2-for-4 from the ninth spot in the order today, raising his average to .306. If this keeps up, Young will probably be the Mets' fourth outfielder and Chris Young could lead off.

Eric Young Jr. went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored against the Cubs on Saturday. Young also walked and drove in a run. The speedster may split time in the Mets outfield with Juan Lagares, but when he plays he'll be at the top of a decent Mets lineup. Young is batting .304 while Lagares is hitting .321 this spring.

Eric Young Jr. (side) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday. Young had been nursing some tightness in his side, but it was never a major concern and he should have no trouble preparing himself for Opening Day. The 28-year-old outfielder finished with 46 stolen bases in 2013 and will likely bat leadoff this summer for the Mets.

Eric Young Jr. (side) hit off a tee Thursday. The workout went well, but the Mets probably won't let Young play in a Grapefruit League game until next week as a precautionary measure. The 28-year-old speedster is expected to lead off for New York this season. He stole a league-leading 46 bases in 2013.

Eric Young Jr. is dealing with some tightness in his side. The tightness is considered minor, but Young could be limited over the next couple of days. Despite the additions of Curtis Granderson and Chris Young over the winter, Young could still begin the season as the Mets' leadoff man.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Tuesday that the club will start their three best offensive options in the outfield. Obviously Curtis Granderson and Chris Young have spots sewn up, so we're talking about an Eric Young Jr. vs. Juan Lagares battle for the final spot. Lagares will start the Grapefruit League opener in center field, but the Mets are looking for improvement from him at the plate, particularly from an on-base percentage perspective. While not nearly in the same class as Lagares defensively, Young is probably a better bet offensively at this point. Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com writes that Alderson wanting more offense "may be the vehicle that gets Eric Young Jr. into the lineup... and gives the Mets their leadoff hitter." Manager Terry Collins has also expressed a preference to use Young in the leadoff spot.

Mets avoided arbitration with OF Eric Young Jr. by agreeing to a one-year, $1.85 million contract. It was Young's first year of arbitration eligibility. The speedy outfielder gets a raise after leading the National League with 46 stolen bases last season. He's expected to serve in a backup role in 2014 but remains a worthy late-round fantasy option due to his speed.

Eric Young, Jr. finished 1-for-4 with two stolen bases, a run scored and an RBI Sunday against the Brewers. The 28-year-old wins the National League stolen base crown with 46 steals and will finish second in the majors behind Jacoby Ellsbury. Young ends the year with a -0.9 WAR (roughly 0.6 with the Mets, -1.4 with the Rockies), which underscores how much more valuable he is in fantasy baseball than real baseball. He slashed .249/.310/.336 with two homers and 31 RBI over 535 at-bats in 2013.

Eric Young, Jr. went 2-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored Thursday against the Nationals. Young now ranks fifth in the majors with 37 stolen bases. The 28-year-old is only hitting .255 and doesn't offer much in the way of pop, but his speed makes him worth owning in most mixed leagues.