Albert Almora Launches Solo Shot in Spring Debut

Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

To this point in his big league career, outfielder Albert Almora has been more known for his defense in centerfield. However, Almora started off his Mets career with a bang at the plate, launching a solo home run to deep left field in the Mets’ 2-0 win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday afternoon.

Mets manager Luis Rojas certainly took notice of the outfielder’s performance. Rojas told reporters during his postgame press conference that he thought Almora took some good cuts at the plate and he has really liked what he’s seen from the outfielder thus far in camp.

“He took two really good swings today, one he missed, and the other one he got it. That’s basically what I’ve seen in practice and the live BP’s. The consistency in that and having Chili Davis here, I think that can definitely get the Almora that we expect to have here,” Rojas said.

New acquisition Albert Almora Jr. is the second Mets hitter to go deep today. His first home run as a Met: pic.twitter.com/BLgMqGm9s9

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 2, 2021

During his five seasons with the Cubs, Almora posted a .309 OBP and .707 OPS. While working with Chili Davis as the Cubs’ hitting coach during the 2018 season, Almora put together one of his better offensive seasons, posting a of .286/.323/.378 slash line, which was good enough for a .701 OPS.

Almora told reporters last week that he’s really looking forward to getting to work with a familiar face here in New York. He said, “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.”

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

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

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

If these adjustments hold up, and Chili can help Almora rediscover his form and bounce back at the plate, he could end up being a really nice piece for the 2021 New York Mets. This is certainly the strong start Almora was looking for in his Mets Grapefruit League debut.

The post Albert Almora Launches Solo Shot in Spring Debut first appeared on Metsmerized Online.