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New York Mets: Five Most Expendable Players for 2017

By Steve Contursi

Sep 27, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A cap and glove sits in the New York Mets dugout during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Mets won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sport
Sep 27, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A cap and glove sits in the New York Mets dugout during a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Mets won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sport /
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#4 Lucas Duda

May 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Kike Hernandez (14) is unable to beat a throw to New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) in the first inning during a MLB game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

In his six full seasons with the Mets, Lucas Duda has appeared in an average of only 110 games per season. He’s a big lumbering man who now has a back condition that forced him to miss five months this season.

Although their injuries are different, David Wright and Duda are both dealing with back issues that seldom can be cured. These back injuries can be treated, but as many of us know, they never really go away.

So the question becomes this. How many games can Duda play in next season and the season after that before he goes down with a series of brief but nagging injuries again?

The Mets seem to be hoping that his 30 HR, 90 RBI season of 2014 is the norm for Duda and it can be repeated if only he can stay healthy.

Except that in reality, that season was exceptionally abnormal. Duda is a very pedestrian lifetime .246 hitter who has averaged fewer than 20 home runs and 60 RBI a season.

Of course, everything said here points to his diminished trade value indicating the Mets could be stuck with him for another season. But that’s Sandy Alderson’s problem and he will need to be creative in getting the Mets a much needed upgrade at first base.

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