2014 Mets Top Prospects: No. 22 Jeff Walters, RHP

22. Jeff Walters

Height: 6’3”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Age: 26
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

To say Jeff Walters made a name for himself this season would be an understatement. He came out of nowhere to have one of the best seasons for a reliever on any Mets minor league affiliate. Walters posted a fantastic 2.09 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with a 60:16 K: BB ratio in 53 appearances. Oh, and did I mention he broke the all-time saves record for Binghamton with 38 saves?

Now that all these accolades are out of the way let’s get to the analyzing. Walters throws a somewhat straight fastball at 95-96 mph, but when he dials it back to the low 90’s it can be more effective due to some apparent sink. The hard-throwing righty doesn’t really have any consistent secondary pitches, which is holding back his potential. However, his power slider is the closest to being reliable, showing flashes of a potential plus pitch. But he’ll need to throw it with more consistency and command to be considered a legitimate back of the bullpen piece.

Outlook: Although Walters’ success at the AA level should be taken with a grain of salt, it is very promising, nonetheless. At age 26, it is plausible that he could compete for a role in the Mets bullpen out of spring training this season but that might be a stretch due to his fringe average control and lack of a consistent secondary pitch but if he shows improvement in spring training, don’t be surprised if he is on the opening day roster. If Walters does not start the season with the Mets, he will most likely be in Las Vegas intimidating hitters with that exceptional mullet of his. It’s good to see that Walters is being groomed as a closer because he certainly has the physical presence of one. If he can polish up that power slider and mix it with that nice sinking fastball, the Mets will have yet another deadly power arm that will be able to contribute sometime during the 2014 season.