2014 Mets Top Prospects: No. 23 Cory Mazzoni, RHP

23. Cory Mazzoni

Height: 6’1”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Age: 24
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

There’s speculation that Cory Mazzoni could make the big league team out of spring training because the Mets have failed to add much depth in the bullpen to this point. It is more than likely that he will be apart of the bullpen at some point in 2014. The Mets drafted Mazzoni in the second round of the 2011 draft out of NC state. He was ranked higher last season but he was dropped a few ranks because he does not really appear to be starter material. He has a 3 pitch mix but none of them are plus pitches. He has a low to mid 90’s fastball with some movement, a decent but somewhat inconsistent slider, and a splitter. As a starter in Binghamton last season season, he posted a 4.36 ERA and a troubling 1.35 WHIP in 66 innings with a 74:19 K:BB ratio.

Outlook: He’ll need to command and refine his pitches better to have success at the big league level but as it stands right now, he should perform well as a serviceable middle reliever and spot starter. Since the Mets are starving for bullpen help next season, it is probably not a terrible thing if he makes the team out of spring training. Mazzoni’s success will depend on his command because his stuff is, and will probably remain, only solid average. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t be a solid bullpen piece next season and beyond.