2014 Mets Top Prospects: No. 20 Luis Mateo, RHP

20. Luis Mateo

Height: 6’3”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Age: 23
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Luis Mateo sort of fell into the Mets’ lap after two different deals with two different clubs were botched because of bone chips in his elbow and age falsification respectively. He probably could have been much, much higher on this list if he hadn’t underwent Tommy John surgery last season, but he should have no problem eventually returning to form.

When Mateo first joined the Mets organization he completely manhandled the Dominican Summer League. In 13 games and 63 innings, he posted a 2.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and 80 strikeouts; incredible numbers any way you look at them.

During the 2012 season, he made his way to the New York Penn League and pitched to a 2.45 ERA with an 85:9 K:BB ratio. There are definitely injury concerns but when healthy he advertises a 92-94 mph sinking fastball, an absolutely devastating slider, a potential plus breaking ball, and a fringe average changeup. He has all the makings of a mid-top of the rotation starter, but as is the case with Jenrry Mejia, his health concerns could land him in the bullpen.

Outlook: Mateo’s path to the majors is currently on hold while he rehabs his elbow. He will most likely miss part of the 2014 season doing so but could land in Binghamton when he returns. He could make his major league debut in late 2015 but that would be a little optimistic. Realistically, he’ll probably be major league ready sometime in 2016. When Mateo comes back, he’ll look to prove that his health concerns are behind him and that he can stick in the rotation for good. Hopefully, he can succeed because he would just be another notch on the belt of promising major league starters the Mets have coming up the pipeline. However, if he can’t, he could very well become a dominant bullpen arm.