Lagares is expected to open the season in a timeshare in center field with Brandon Nimmo, likely occupying the short side of a platoon, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nimmo's strong spring at the plate and the Mets' glaring need for a leadoff hitter over the first month of the season while Michael Conforto (shoulder) is sidelined likely means that Nimmo will see the bulk of the starts in center field early on, but Lagares won't collect dust on the bench. In addition to starting against southpaws over the lefty-hitting Nimmo, Lagares should frequently enter games as a late-inning substitute thanks to his defensive wizardry. Lagares' quality defense doesn't mean much from a fantasy perspective, however, so don't count on him to offer much utility even in NL-only formats in light of his .257/.297/.366 career line and low expected placement in the batting order when he starts.