In a report for the Daily News, John Harper says Jordany Valdespin’s offense has enabled him to emerge as a center field candidate this spring.

“For a team that is expected to struggle to score runs, in fact, the Mets can hardly ignore Valdespin’s offensive potential. They’re going to have to find a way to get his bat in the lineup, at least against righthanded pitching,” Harper writes.

According to Harper, Terry Collins said Valdespin will get more reps in the outfield once Daniel Murphy returns from his oblique injury.

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York recently said Valdespin is likely competing with Kirk Nieuwenhuis for a roster spot this spring.

Michael Baron, Contributor

Valdespin has put on a show offensively, all while showing his versatility all over the field. I don’t know if he’ll ever win a Gold Glove anywhere, but if Valdespin can not only show he can handle any outfield position, but be a more disciplined and professional player all-around, I bet he can be an effective piece in the outfield puzzle. So far, he has shown he can handle the outfield. In fact, he has been better out there than he has in the infield. The key for Valdespin is to continue to grow and learn the outfield, but also maintain his focus and develop into the player the Mets both want and need him to be.