2014 Mets Top Prospects: No.13 Dilson Herrera, 2B

13. Dilson Herrera

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 150 lbs.
Age: 19
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Dilson Herrera was acquired as the main piece that sent Marlon Byrd and John Buck to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s a small kid but don’t let that fool you. Herrera has what Keith Law describes as 15-20 homer power at his peak. That combined with well above average speed that should translate into consistent stolen bases and potential above average defense makes for a very nice prospect. In 442 AB’s last season, Herrera slashed .265/.330/.416 with 11 HR’s and 14 SB’s; promising numbers for a 19 year old in his first year of full season ball.

His strikeout numbers stand out though as he whiffed 110 times in those 442 AB’s. I wouldn’t worry about his K rate just yet because he’s still young and his tools are very raw. However, if he continues to strikeout at a similar rate he could end struggling to hit .250 which might be okay if he puts up those kinds of power numbers at second base. He has more than enough time, though, to improve his pitch recognition skills and become more of a complete hitter.

Outlook: Getting Herrera as well as Vic Black from the Pirates for a couple months of Marlon Byrd was a steal in my opinion. Dilson is a very real prospect and with more development could have the Pirates organization muttering under their breaths for giving him up so easily. He has the chance to become an above average contributor on both offense and defense maybe with an occasional All Star Game appearance. In spite of that, it’s a bit too early for that kind of projection. He’s still several years away from a major league debut and if he doesn’t cut down on his strikeouts, he may have a hard time reaching the big club anyway. My guess is he starts the season in St. Lucie after a full season of success in the South Atlantic League. With a breakout year and an improved K rate, he could find himself in the top 10 by the start of next season.