Through the Mets first 18 games, Lucas Duda has batted to a .323 average with two home runs and 11 RBI. Perhaps most importantly, he has 8 hits and 2 walks in 20 tries against left handed pitching. Duda building on his strong 2014 would be a good indication that the 29-year-old first basemen is going to remain a fixture in queens for the years to come.
Some believed Duda’s 2014 breakout season to be an aberration, similar to Ike Davis’ false coming out party in 2012. Last season, Duda batted .253 (.180 against LHP), hit 30 HR (2 against LHP) and knocked in 92 runs (10 against LHP). Some projected Duda to suffer significant drop off in 2015. Many who believed in The young first baseman, still advocated for Terry Collins to platoon him with a first basemen who could hit lefties. To this point, Duda has proved the nay-sayers wrong against both RH, and LH pitching.
So far, Duda has slashed .323/.400/.523 in 2015, if he can keep up a .300+/.400+/.500+ line fans should be ecstatic. In addition to these strong overall numbers, Duda’s patience and demeanor at the plate has been impressive. Duda’s stats certainly imply an improved eye, but those who have been watching him can attest as well. In Thursday’s 6-3 win over the Braves, the Mets 11th in a row, Duda finished 1-1 with three walks. His perfect day at the plate included an impressive 12-pitch at bat where the first basemen worked out a walk. With his K-rate down and his BB-rate up fans should be excited about Duda’s 2015 season.
If Duda can keep up the strong play over the next few months, he may well find himself representing the Mets this year in the All-Star Game at Target Field. An appearance in the Mid-Summer Classic would be a huge stride toward stardom for Lucas Duda
