Shortstop Amed Rosario might be the most exciting position-player prospect the Mets have had in the last decade, writes writes Sam Dykstra of MLB Pipeline as they roll out their projections for rookies during the 21017 season.
“The 21-year-old shortstop is coming off a season in which he made a huge offensive leap with a .324/.374/.459 line in 120 games between Class A Advanced St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton and is considered a plus defender at one of the game’s toughest positions.”
Despite all the accolades Amed Rosario has received over the last 18 months, most agree he is still at least a year away. Here is how MLB Pipeline puts it”
“There is a legitimate case to be made that he’ll be the Minors’ best shortstop prospect on Opening Day. Pump those brakes, though. That’s not enough to push him straight to the Majors. Steamer sees Rosario as a below-average Major League hitter right now, and it should given his experience level and age. With Asdrubal Cabrera signed through 2017, the Mets don’t need to push Rosario, and certainly don’t plan to do so.”
Baseball America recently ranked Rosario as the Mets’ top prospect after a big season where he batted a combined .324/.376/.462 with 24 doubles, 13 triples, five homers 71 RBI and 19 stolen bases between High-A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton.
Amed was also named Defensive Player of the Year in both the Florida State League and the Eastern League. He is a potential 70-grade defender on the 20-80 scouting scale.
“He makes all plays look easy, even tough ones,” one scout said. “Swings the bat, makes adjustments with breaking pitches.”
“He can be an outstanding player, I think that’s why he’s considered our No. 1 prospect at a premium position,” Alderson said recently.
The Mets signed Rosario back in 2012 for $1.75 million, a franchise record for an international amateur, and worth every penny. He has had a quick rise through the minors and continues to impress more and more each year.
Rosario was added to the 40 man roster in November and many expect him to begin the 2017 season at Triple-A Las Vegas where he’ll be just one step away from his major league debut. That has yet to be confirmed by the Mets, but we should have some clarification on that next month when the Mets begin Spring Training. He was recently ranked as the No. 1 Mets Prospect on out MMO Top 30.
