2014 Mets Top Prospects: No. 21 Jack Leathersich, LHP

21. Jack Leathersich

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 205 lbs.
Age: 23
Bats/Throws: Right/Left

Jack Leathersich, AKA Leather Rocket, was drafted by the Mets in the 5th round of the 2011 draft out of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He was a starter in college but has worked exclusively in the bullpen since being drafted due to his weak control. He has one of the highest ceilings of any reliever in the Mets system, advertising a low 90’s fastball with good movement, a nice curveball that will only get better, and a fringe average changeup. Leathersich’s main problem has always been lack of command. Pitching 29.1 innings in AA last season, he posted a 1.53 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP with a ridiculous 16.9 K/9. However, when moved to Las Vegas his ERA and WHIP skyrocketed to 7.76 and 2.10 respectively in another 29.0 innings. His BB/9 climbed from an already shaky 4.9 to an unacceptable 9.0. His ability to miss bats is extremely impressive in its own right, but his inability to find the strike zone is holding him back.

Outlook: The stuff is definitely there for Leathersich and while being a lefty helps his cause, it does not make up for his complete lack of control. If he ever wants to take a breath at Citi Field in the near future he’ll have to learn to not only control his pitches, but to command them as well. If he cannot improve on that, he will continue to be a minor leaguer until he does unfortunately. Especially with this front office that emphasizes commanding the strike zone at all levels of the Mets system. If he ever learns how to pitch and not just throw, he will become one of the best relievers the Mets have in their system with a chance to contribute to the big club right away. Hopefully, the latter is the end result.