Jake Mangum

AAA Worcester Red Sox (6-5) 10, Syracuse Mets (2-9) 5 Box Score

• Brandon Drury 1B: 2-for-4, RBI,R, 2 SO, .195/.261/.293
• Deivy Grullon C: 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, 2 SO .162/.184/.378

The Syracuse Mets offense got off to a good start putting four runs across the board in the top of the first inning capped off by Grullon’s second home run of the season.

The other run scored came off the bat of Wilfredo Tovar in the fifth when his fly-out to right field resulted in a throwing error allowing Johneshwy Fargas to score.

With only three hits from the sixth inning on, the Mets were unable to put any more runs on the board.

• Jerad Eickhoff RHP: 5 IP, ND, 5 ER, 8 SO, 0 BB, 7.20 ERA
• Daniel Zamora LHP: 1.1 IP, L, 3 ER, 4 BB, 1 SO, 17.47 ERA

Despite being handed a four run lead to begin their night, the Mets pitching staff was unable to make it count. Eickhoff got the start and while he was able to strike out eight, his inability to keep the ball in the ballpark cost him as he gave up home runs in the first and second innings.

After Eickhoff was taken out of the game in the sixth the Mets turned to Zamora who despite two walks was able to get through the inning. The decision to bring him back out for the seventh would prove costly as Zamora would walk the first two batters he faced followed by a double and a sacrifice fly ended his evening.  Trey Cobb would come into the game to try to get the two outs needed to end the inning but struggled giving up two runs before doing so.

Sam McWilliams would pitch the eighth and struck out three with a walk mixed in.

Red Sox top prospect Jeter Downs really did some damage in the game going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI’s.

AA: Altoona Curve (7-3) 6, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (0-10) 5 Box score

• Sebastian Elizalde CF: 1-for-5, R, 2 RBI, .286/.390/.371
•  Will Toffey 3B: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SO, .100/.308/.100
• Mark Vientos 1B: 0-for-4, RBI, .147/.231/.324

The Rumble Ponies continue to stay out of the win column as the lose an extra inning affair.

After being shutout for the first five innings the offense finally got on the board in the sixth. Toffey provided the big single scoring two and tying the game up at four a piece.

In extra innings and down by two, the Ponies were able to get the free base runner placed on second in to score but it was via a double-play off the bat of Elizalde that effectively killed the rally.

Catcher Nick Meyer had two hits and left fielder Carlos Cortes was on base twice and scored two runs.

• Luc Rennie RHP: 4 IP,ND, 4 ER, 2 SO, BB, 9.00 ERA
• Ryley Gilliam RHP: L ,0-2, 1 IP, 2 SO, 9.64 ERA

The recently signed Rennie got the start and was rudely greeted as he gave up all four of his earned runs in the first inning. He was able to bounce back and last three more before being replaced. The bullpen did its job and kept the Curve off the board as the Ponies were able to tie the game up and send it into extras.

With the runner starting on second in the extra frame, Gilliam was never able to get comfortable and between a wild pitch and a passed ball, two runs would come across to score with the latter proving to be the game winner.

Marcel Renteria (three innings) and Bradley Roney (two innings) combined to throw five scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts.

A+: Greenville Drive (4-6) 8 , Brooklyn Cyclones (4-5) 4 Box score

• Jake Mangum CF: 2-for-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB, .217/.280/.478
• Luke Ritter 2B: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 SO, .303/.333/.545

The Cyclones offense was all about Jake Mangum on Saturday night, as the outfielder was involved in all of the scoring. After a single in the first he would come around to score on a single by Ritter. In the sixth Mangum would walk and then go first to third on a single by Ronny Mauricio  before being brought home on a sacrifice fly by Ritter.

Mets prospect Jake Mangum hit his second home run of the season tonight. A two-run shot for the Brooklyn Cyclones.

pic.twitter.com/WDZrR119Je

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) May 16, 2021

Then to cap off his evening Mangum would take a 1-0 pitch over the wall in left for his second home run of the season in the eighth.

• Jaison Vilera RHP: 4 IP, ND, 4 ER, 7 SO, 0 BB, 14.14 ERA
• Bryce Montes de Oca RHP: 1.2 IP, 3 SO, 1 BB, 0.00 ERA

23-year-old Vilera got the start for the Cyclones and went four innings. After cruising through the first three innings, Vilera would be beat by the long ball in the fourth giving up two different two-run home runs in the inning.

Montes de Oca continues to dominate in his relief appearances as he has now pitched 4 2/3 innings with five strikeouts and no earned runs. He hit 101 mph with his fastball on Saturday.

After the Cyclones were able to tie the game up in the eighth, reliever Brian Metoyer would struggle and give the Drive back the lead on a bases loaded walk and a single that combined with a throwing error by Mangum cleared the bases putting the Cyclones down by four heading into the ninth.

A: Daytona Tortugas (6-5) 5, St. Lucie Mets ( 7-4) 1 Box score

• Francisco Alvarez C: 1-for-3, R, .520/.639/.760

The excitement of having Alvarez back in the lineup was only so long lived as the Mets lineup struggled Saturday night only being able to manage three hits on the night and the only run scoring as Alvarez came across the plate on a wild pitch in the fourth.

• Joander Suarez RHP: 4IP, L, 2 ER, 6 SO, 2 BB, 5.86 ERA
• Brendan Hardy RHP: 2 IP, 2 ER, 2 SO, BB, 9.00 ERA

With the offense not being able to produce tonight the pitching staff was faced with an uphill battle that they were not able to climb. 21-year-old Suarez pitched well in his four innings and took a loss in what would normally be a very positive stat line in most other games.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Jake Mangum Hits Second Homer appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (4-1) 4, Syracuse (1-4) 2, F Box Score

• Brandon Drury 3B; 1-4, HR, RBI, .235/.316/.412
• Khalil Lee RF; 1-2, BB, R, SB, .167/.474/.250
• Quinn Brodey LF; 1-2, BB, RBI, .250/.556/.550

The offense in Syracuse was only able to put two runs on the board in this one, highlighted by Drury hitting his first home run of the season. Lee continues to get on base as he registered his fifth walk of the season as well as a hit

• Jordan Yamamoto  RHP: L, 0-1, 8.10, 3.1 IP, 3 ER, K, 2 BB
• Sean Reid-Foley RHP: 0-0, 0.00, 2.0 IP, 3 K, 2 BB

In his first start for Syracuse, Yamamoto was greeted by a home run off the bat of rehabbing Luke Voit and then proceed to give up two more runs in the first. He would make it through the inning and manage to go three and a third. Reid-Foley continues his good start to his Mets career putting up zeros in two innings just like he has done with the big league club.

Right-hander Trey Cobb tossed 2 2/3 scoreless after being promoted from Binghamton earlier in the day.

Akron (5-0) 5 , Binghamton (0-5) 1 Box Score

•  Carlos Cortes LF; 1-3, 2BB, .211/.333/.263
• Mark Vientos 1B: 0-4, SO, .167/.318/.333

Binghamton’s offense struggled again on Saturday night. As a team they struck out 11 times and left ten men on base. Vientos continues his early season struggles going hitless in four at-bats, this was his first pro start at first base.

• Yeizo Campos RHP; ND,0.00, 3 IP, 2 BB, 2 K
• Ryley Gilliam RHP; L, 27.00, 2/3IP, 4 ER, BB

Campos got the start and looked good through three innings. He now has not given up a run in four and a third innings this season. Gilliam replaced Campos in the fourth and had a night he will soon hope to forget. Unable to finish out the inning, he gave up four runs that ended up being the deciding factor in this one. Tony Dibrell gave up a solo shot in the sixth to finish off the scoring for Akron.

Third catcher Dan Rizzie tossed a scoreless eighth inning.

Brooklyn(2-3) 16, Asheville (3-2) 12  Box Score 

• Joe Genord 1B, 3-4, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, .389
• Luke Ritter 2B; 2-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, .222
• Ronny Mauricio DH; 1-5, HR, RBI, 2R, .368

The bats broke out in Brooklyn tonight as the team scored 16 runs on 15 hits, hitting four home runs and all while only going 4-21 with runners in scoring position, showing this game could have been even more explosive. Genord, Ritter, Mauricio and Cody Bohanek each went deep and Genord lead the team with three RBIs.

• Alec Kisena RHP; W, 1-0, 5 IP, 8 K, 2 ER, 2 BB
• Michel Otanez RHP, 2/3 IP, 3ER, BB

Starter Kisena went five strong innings while striking out eight batters. It was enough work to get him the win despite the bullpen allowing nine runs in the eighth inning. Otanez has struggled early on in his adjustment to the bullpen this season and it continued on Saturday.

Bryce Montes de Oca did pitch his second clean inning on the early year.

St. Lucie (4-1) 8, Jupiter (1-4) 4

• Pete Crow-Armstrong CF; 2-4, R,BB, .400
• Matt Dyer 1B; 3-4, HR, 3 RBI, .444
• Francisco Alvarez C; 1-3, 2R, 2BB

The team down in St. Lucie continues to impress with the bats. Saturday nights big hit came from Dyer, who smacked a three-run home run in the first that put them ahead and they never looked back. The two most talked about prospects on the team, Armstrong and Alvarez both showed why again as each had a strong performance at the plate.

2020 5th round draft pick, Matt Dyer launches a 3-run home run deep out of Clover Park! The Mets take a 4-1 lead over the Hammerheads with 0 outs in the 1st.@Mets_Minors @Metsmerized pic.twitter.com/DpGFyWFfN7

— Alexis Farinacci (@AlexisFarinacci) May 8, 2021

• Dylan Hall RHP; 0-0, GS, 4 IP, 2 ER, 5 K, 2 BB
• Franklin Parra LHP, W, 3 IP, ER, 4 K

Hall got the start and pitched well through four innings before being replaced by Parra who was then able to get the win. It was a nice rebound performance from Parra who did not fair so well in his last appearance.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Pete Crow-Armstrong Continues to Mash appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Michel Otanez, Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

20. Michel Otanez, RHP

B/T: R/R     Age: 23 (7/3/1997)
Height: 6’3’’    Weight: 215
Acquired: International Free Agent in 2016 out of the Dominican Republic
ETA: 2023    Previous Rank: 24
2019 Stats: 14 GS, 63 IP, 7.4 H/9, 0.4 HR/9, 4.0 BB/9, 10.0 K/9, 3.17 ERA, 1.27 WHIP

Velocity always gets you noticed as a minor leaguer and Michel Otanez has it. With the ability to reach the high 90’s with his fastball, Otanez makes our list here at No. 20. When we last saw him in 2019, he was pitching for Kingsport and Brooklyn to the tune of a 3.14 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. The lost 2020 season and the inability to pitch in the instructional league due to a health issue means 2021 will be a very much make or break year for the right-hander.

Featuring a fastball that sits in the mid to high 90’s, Otanez has always been able to rack up the strikeouts. He has also had his share of control issues, walking a batter every other inning on average in his career. He did show better control as the 2019 season progressed, so it will be interesting to see if the year off and work he was able to get in has helped him. Along with the fastball, Otanez has shown a breaking ball and a changeup during his time on the mound. The breaking ball is more advanced than the changeup, and does show the potential to be an above average pitch, yet both were in need of some more development the last time we saw him in action.

Currently a starter in the system, the Mets may be inclined to move Otanez to the bullpen if he is not able to show progress in the mentioned off-speed pitches enough to get guys out multiple times through the lineup. We really don’t know what to expect with many of the players who didn’t feature in the instructional league, and Otanez is the prime example of this. He could show better command and feel for all three pitches and move himself into the conversation for top five starting pitching prospects in the organization, or he could just be a guy who throws hard with no other redeeming qualities, who is destined to be a career minor league bullpen guy, we are just going to have to wait and see how it plays out.

I would expect the Mets to be aggressive considering his age and lost development time in 2020, and try to see if Otanez can handle an assignment in Brooklyn to start the 2021 season and move him to Binghamton if he pitches well early. 

Photo: Ed Delany

19. Wilmer Reyes, INF

B/T: R/R       Age: 23 (12/27/1997)
Height: 6’0’’     Weight: 161
Acquired: International Free Agent 2016 out of the Dominican Republic
ETA: 2023     Previous Rank: 27
2019 Stats: 61 G, .323/.350/.441, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 16.8 K%, 136 wRC+

After having a breakout season in 2019 with the Brooklyn Cyclones, Wilmer Reyes was poised to further show off his ability in 2020. While not being a member of the alternative site team, Reyes did however impress during the instructional league with some talk of him being the MVP of the camp. An infielder who has the ability to play multiple positions above average, Reyes should get a chance to play his way into the higher levels of the minors in 2021.

A right-handed hitter, Reyes was known for his aggressive and contact oriented approach at the plate while coming up through the system. In 2019, however he did seem to get more power as he was able to hit five home runs and finish in the top ten of the league in slugging percentage. The remarks coming out instructs also show he has continued to tap into his new found tool as his ability to make hard contact was noted by many observers. If he can now translate it into league play the Mets may have a sleeper prospect in the making.

On the defensive side of the ball Reyes has played mostly second base and shortstop. His arm and range both play at those and even third base, and he has seen sometime in the outfield during his minor league career. Most evaluators believe his best position will be shortstop thus making him a much more valuable prospect going forward.

Reyes is likely to head right back to Brooklyn (now the Mets High-A affiliate) to start the season, where he’s likely to play a number of different positions. If Reyes starts taking more walks at the plate, he could be a guy that moves quick through the Mets system in 2021. 

18. Freddy Valdez, OF

B/T: R/R       Age: 19 (12/6/2001)
Height: 6’3’’    Weight: 212
Acquired: Signed as International Free Agent 2018 out of the Dominican Republic
ETA: 2024     Previous Rank: 16
2019 Stats: 60 G, .274/.367/.448, 16 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 6 SB, 18.1 K%, 124 wRC+

The 2019 Sterling DSL Hitter of the Year Award winner Freddy Valdez comes in at number 18 on our list. After signing at the age of 16 in 2018, the reports on Valdez were that he was a big right-handed bat with impressive power. During his lone season in the Mets system, while he did improve his power numbers as the season went on, it was not yet fully on display. With power often being the tool that develops last with younger prospects the glimpses of it in his games leaves one to ponder just how far up the scale Valdez’s ceiling in that department can go.

Originally thought of having a wild and unorthodox swing, Valdez was able to keep his strikeout rate at a very encouraging 18%. When you consider that most younger ball players struggle with their strikeouts, this combined with his ability to draw walks, 11.5%, shows a player who is more comfortable in the box than most had projected.

At average speed and a good to plus arm, right field is the most likely outcome for Valdez’s future in the field. His large frame and continued physical development may some day force the Mets to reevaluate his ability to play there and he may have to be moved to a different position such as first base.

Like with any teenager, Valdez’s future is pure speculation and intrigue. What you do have to like though is the abilities he showed in 2019 and if he continues to develop at the rate he was during that season the sky is the limit as far as Valdez and his bat are concerned. Valdez should start the season either in the Mets complex league (similar to GCL). 

Photo by Ed Delany

17. Carlos Cortes, 2B/OF

B/T: L/B      Age: 23 (6/30/1997)
Height: 5’7’’      Weight: 197
Acquired: Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2018 MLB Draft
ETA: 2021     Previous Rank: 15
2019 Stats: 127 G, 26 2B, 3 3B, 11 HR, 68 RBI, .255/.336/.397, 119 wRC+, 14.6 K%

Once most notably known for his ambidextrous fielding abilities, Carlos Cortes has started to make a name for himself among evaluators for his bat and defensive versatility. Originally a second baseman, Cortes has been working in the outfield as well as the corners, as his bat is forcing the Mets to find places for him to play. After a decent showing in St. Lucie in 2019, Cortes was included in the Instructional League, yet it was his play down under for the Sydney Blue Sox of the Australian Baseball League that caught the attention of Mets fans yearning for some baseball action.

In 51 at-bats, Cortes put together a .392/.429/.706 line with three home runs and 16 RBI. He also saw plenty of time and the outfield and showed he was more than capable of handling it. His 1.134 OPS led the Australian Baseball League. 

One of the best pure hitters in the system, Cortes has a the ability to generate decent power numbers thanks to his upward swing and above average bat speed. His approach in the box also is a plus, as he is not prone to the strikeout and has the ability to get on base via the walk. While not the fastest player on the roster, a high baseball IQ allows Cortes to make the smart play on the base paths and take the extra base when provided.

Primarily a second baseman early in his minor league career, Cortes has been taking reps all over the field in order to show his versatility to the organization. If he is able to make himself into a serviceable utility man in the field his projections should rise as the more he can handle defensively the more ability the team has to get him at-bats increases.

Cortes is a player I am very high on personally and I believe he will play himself into a role in Syracuse to start the minor league season and if the need were to develop at the Major League level, he should be in the conversation for a shot in the big leagues this season.

Photo: Ed Delany

16. Jose Butto, RHP

B/T: R/R       Age: 23 (3/19/1998)
Height: 6’1’’      Weight: 160
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent in 2017 out of Venezuela
ETA: 2022     Previous Rank: 22
2019 Stats: 27 G, 112 IP, 8.0 K/9, 0.6 HR/9, 2.5 BB/9, 8.8 K/9, 3.62 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 3.43 FIP

One of the lone bright spots of the 2019 rotation in Columbia, Jose Butto impressed many in his first full season. Possessing what most evaluators consider the best changeup in the Mets system, Butto went to the Instructional League in 2020 and left with a reputation as a consistent competitor who is working on mastering his craft.

Having an athletic and repetitive delivery, Butto throws a four-seamer that sits in the low 90’s and while it was once considered flat, reports are that he has put in work on making the pitch show more movement. As noted above Butto has the best secondary pitch changeup in the Mets system and it is truly a strikeout pitch. His ability to throw it at any time is what helps him keep hitters off balance and should only help his average fastball velocity. He rounds out his arsenal with both a curve and slider, that while both are still developing, he does control them well and throws them where he wants them.

A spot in the Binghamton rotation should be where Butto finds himself to start the 2021 season after a strong showing during the Instructional League. He’s one of the Mets best pitching prospects in their upper levels.

Mets Top 25-21 Prospects

Mets Top 30-26 Prospects

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Luis Guillorme

Player Data: Age 26, B/T: L/R
Primary Stats: 29 G, 68 PA, .333/.426/.439, 9 RBIs, 2 SB, 6 R, 17K, 10 BB
Advanced Stats: .463 BABIP, .381 wOBA, 144 wRC+, 141 OPS+, 0.7 fWAR, 0.6 bWAR, 1 DRS, 2 OAA

Free Agent: 2026

Grade: A-

2020 Review

Coming into the 2020 season anyone who knows Mets baseball knew one thing for sure: Luis Guillorme could play some defense.

His highlight reel from the minors and of course the now infamous bat catch have given Guillorme the well-deserved reputation of a player you get excited about whenever he’s on the field. Yet there were doubts among fans and scouts alike if he would be able to hit enough to warrant a everyday spot in the lineup. Considering his sparse playing time and inconsistent at-bats given to him throughout his professional career so far, it is easy to see why some were lead in that direction.

While 2020 wasn’t without the same inconsistency in at-bats and starts (along with the questionable decision of the former front-office to trade for a player to take playing time away from him), Guillorme was able to put together an above-average season at the plate while still playing well-above average defense in the field.

While Guillorme is never going to be mistaken for a power hitter, he was able to hit six doubles as part of his 19 total hits in 57 at-bats. Showing an ability to make quality contact with the bat more than his previous seasons was evident in his hard hit rate jumping ten percent vs last season.

It was also nice to see him lower his launch angle this past season vs prior years. He became more comfortable at the plate and stayed more true to his abilities rather than try to manufacture power that will probably never come. Some players are just line drive hitters and his assumed acceptance of this lead to a somewhat breakthrough offensively.

Considering this Mets team has plenty of home run-or-bust type hitters, it is refreshing to see a player who knows that is not his game and instead masters the craft in his own right. Being able to get hits and not strikeout at a high clip when your name is called in a backup role is something that many players often struggle with. Guillorme’s plate discipline continues to improve, as he was frequently putting together strong at-bats. 

While he did play some shortstop and a little third base, second base is where Guillorme spent the majority of the season. His defensive metrics still say shortstop is his best position, yet this year he made great strides in getting accustomed to playing what I believe is his best spot moving forward. His quick reaction, footwork and ability to make his glove look like an extension of his hand, blends well with his arm strength to form the makings of an elite defensive second baseman.

2021 Outlook

Now that Robinson Cano has been removed from the picture after being suspended, there is suddenly more playing time up for grabs in the Mets infield. While there is a chance that Jeff McNeil is returned to his natural position of second base, there is also an opportunity for Luis Guillorme to claim that role. 

If you ask me, Guillorme should be penciled in as the starting second baseman for the 2021 season. Defense wins games and you couldn’t ask for a better defender at the position than Guillorme.

Playing McNeil at third base, Andres Gimenez  at shortstop, and Dominic Smith at first base, paired with Guillorme at second, would put forth an infield capable of ranking among the best the Mets have ever had.

While some will say that 2020 was too small of a sample size, Guillorme’s offensive production was encouraging to say the least. Defense might not be the only thing that Luis is able to excel at and, at the very least, it was enough to grant him every opportunity to earn a spot in the starting lineup.

The post 2020 Mets Report Card: Luis Guillorme appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Andrés

Player Data: Age 22, B/T: L/R
Primary Stats: .263/.333/.398, 49 G, 132 PA, 3 HR, 12 RBIs, 8 SB, 22 R, 28 K, 8 BB,
Advanced Stats: .318 BABIP, .321 wOBA, 105 wRC+, 102 OPS+, 1.0 WAR, 5 OAA

Free Agent: 2026

Grade: B+

2020 Review

For a 21-year-old with no experience above AA to come to the majors and produce is not entirely unknown, yet it is not the norm. Had the 2020 season progressed the way every other season prior to it had, Andrés Giménez would have likely started in Triple-A Syracuse and been in line for a September call-up depending on not only his performance but how the MLB club was performing at the time.

Alas, the universe had other plans and the 2020 season was unlike any other in baseball history, and rule changes implemented by MLB on roster size and the cancellation of all minor league seasons would set up Giménez to make his debut a little sooner than expected.

After breaking Spring Training 2.0 with the Mets, Gimenez wasted little time before making an impact at the MLB level. In his first start, July 29th, the shortstop went 2-for-4 including a run-scoring triple in a loss to the Red Sox.

Giménez would go on to start 29 games of the Mets 60-game schedule, going as far as making a debatable case to be the starting shortstop over incumbent Amed Rosario. As he gained the trust of his former manager Luis Rojas, Giménez was given plenty of opportunities during the second-half stretch to show the Mets and the rest of baseball why he was such a highly-touted prospect.

While many thought Giménez would develop into an above-average hitter at the plate, his ability to generate power was definitely a question mark. After changing his swing in 2019, Giménez seemed more comfortable at the plate this year and the direct results of the change manifested in his ability to get more lift out of his swing, resulting in three home runs in 118 at-bats, a rate that exceeded those of his previous minor league seasons.

While he will probably never hit 25-plus home runs, the work he put in to now have the ability to drive the ball and make hard quality contact will result in plenty of doubles, and he has the speed to turn some of those into triples.

While the above offensive performance out of Giménez was great to see, his defensive ability was the main attraction. With a glove in his hand, Giménez made more than his fair share of highlight reel plays.

For a team that has let defense become a secondary concern in recent years, it was great to see the routine plays made effortlessly and the difficult look easy. One could argue that the pairing of him and fellow wizard Luis Guillorme is perhaps the best double play combination the franchise has had in a long time.

The numbers back up what the eyes saw as well, as Gimenez finished tied with the Cubs Nico Hoerner for highest OAA among rookie infielders with 5. The only shortstops rated higher than Giménez were Fernando Tatis Jr and Francisco Lindor, which is pretty good company to be in.

2021 Outlook

Andrés Giménez should be the starting shortstop for the Mets in 2021 and beyond. His defense has a chance to be Gold Glove-worthy and would provide the security that any pitching staff would love to have behind them, yet has been lacking in Queens for years.

While his offense is not as good as his defense is, there is plenty to be excited about after what he just accomplished as a 21-year-old rookie. While there has been a lot of chatter about the possibility of trading Giménez in order to acquire a certain big name shortstop mentioned above, I think that would be a mistake, as there are far more obvious holes that the Mets need to fill that don’t have a potential All-Star 22-year-old currently occupying.

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Michael Wacha

Player Data: Age 29, B/T R/R
Primary Stats: 8 G, 7 GS, 1-4, 34 IP, 6.62ERA, 9.8 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 1.559 WHIP
Advanced Stats: 64 ERA+, 5.25 FIP, -0.2 WAR

Free Agent: 2021
2020 Salary: $3 M

Grade: F

2020 Review

In what was a mostly disappointing 2020 campaign for the New York Mets, the poor play of Michael Wacha, for the most part, went vastly unnoticed. While abysmal, his seven starts and 34 innings on the mound will not be in the memories of fans when they think about the downfalls experienced by the team this past season. That in no way however gives him a pass on what was an entirely underperforming tenure in a Mets uniform.

When a team signs a 28-year-old former All-Star, who also happens to be a NLCS MVP, one would expect it to come with heavy fanfare and excitement. However that’s not what transpired when the now former front office announced the signing back in December of 2019.

Most saw it for what it was, the signing of another CAA client who in no way resembled the one who played a pivotal role for a Cardinals team that won 100 games in 2015. 

Signed as depth for the pitching staff, Wacha was given a heavily incentive laden contract that greatly increased his salary based on starts and innings per appearances. He then made statements about being told by the front office that he would be given a rotation spot if he was healthy, which seemed odd given that at the time they had just signed Rick Porcello to a one-year deal to round out the rotation.

We all know what happened in the coming months, Covid-19, Noah Snydergaard need Tommy John surgery and Marcus Stroman opted out of the season. While these things were unfortunate for the Mets, it did provide Wacha with an opportunity to prove the skeptics wrong and perform above most observers expectations.

Ultimately that did not happen.

In seven starts, Wacha only reached the sixth inning one time, a Sept. 23rd start versus the Rays. Five of his starts ended prior to the fifth inning, giving up more runs than innings pitched in three of his starts.

If you take out his first start of the season, five innings and one run against the Red Sox on July 27th, Wacha allowed 25 runs across 29 innings pitched. 

Overall his numbers told the story of a guy who still strikes out opponents at a decent clip, limits his walks, yet is prone to giving up the long ball at almost unseen numbers. His inability to keep the ball in the ballpark is by far his biggest weakness on the mound.

His nine home runs allowed in 34 innings would have put him on pace for 43 home runs allowed if he had thrown 162 innings (what is needed to qualify for league leader titles in regular season parameters).

To put it in perspective Justin Verlander lead the league in 2019 with 44 home runs allowed in 258 innings. If Wacha had gone 258 innings in 2020 he would have been on pace for 68 home runs allowed. 

2021 Outlook

A 29-year-old with the kind of track record Wacha has is going to get a chance somewhere. A team will convince themselves they can right the ship and get him back to being the pitcher he was just a few seasons ago and sign him to a one-year incentive based deal just like the one he received this past year. It’s just not gonna be the Mets.

The post 2020 MMO Report Card: Michael Wacha, RHP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

William Lugo/Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

No 5. William Lugo

Bats/Throws: R/R Age: 18
Acquired: Signed as international free agent in 2018
2019 Stats: 176 PA, .158/.280/.219, 6 2B, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 1 SB, 4 CS, 21 BB, 46 K

Signed in 2018 out of the Dominican Republic, Lugo spent the 2019 season with the GCL Mets after the team aggressively decided to bring him to the states. Playing against competition around two years older than him, he was definitely overmatched, yet showed some promise in the fact that his walk total was much higher than many prospects accumulate in their first season. The fact that he was only 17 years old helps when justifying his name among this list.

The typical high risk, high reward prospect, Lugo projects to have a good eye at the plate and the makings of an average hitter with decent power. He does tend to have a long swing yet manages to put the barrel on the ball when making contact. While he is currently spending his time at shortstop, if he continues to fill out his larger frame, a move to a corner defensive position might be needed. When in the field, Lugo does possess quick hands and an average arm.

When trying to predict the future of a player so young with so little experience and an underwhelming season, you usually want to look at what is teachable and what isn’t. When it comes to things Lugo already possesses – his plate discipline, body type, and raw power potential –  one can see some nice building blocks that an organization can then work with to blossom into a more complete player.

No. 4 Wilmer Reyes

B/T: R/R Age: 22
Acquired: Signed as international free agent in 2016
2019 Stats: 244 PA, .323/.350/.441, 8 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 12 SB, 6 CS, 8 BB, 41 K

In 2019, Reyes went from a prospect with a familiar sounding name to a prospect worth keeping a close eye on, as he had what was arguably the best statistical season by any minor league player. Had he put up the numbers he did during an affiliate’s full season instead of Brooklyn’s short season, he would have made it hard for the organization to pick Mark Vientos  over him as minor league hitter of the year.

In leading the Cyclones to their first ever championship, Reyes was among the league leaders in multiple categories. His aggressive contact-first approach leads to very few walks, yet in 2019 his results showed an ability to find the holes in the defense while constantly getting the bat on the ball. He cut his strikeout percentage almost in half from 2018 (30.8% to 16.8%) and showed some power, hitting a career-high five home runs.

Reyes also won over a lot of evaluators with his defensive showing. Having a strong arm capable of making any throw from anywhere on the field tends to do that. His fluid hands and above-average agility only further push the narrative that Reyes will be able to stay at the shortstop position as he moves up the Mets’ system.

After his strong 2019 performance, one would expect the Mets to be aggressive with Reyes to see if he can produce the same level of success as he ascends up the minor leagues.

Shervyen Newton/Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

No. 3 Shervyen Newton

B/T:  S/R   Age: 21
Acquired: Signed as international free agent in 2015
2019 Stats: 423 PA, .209/.283/.330, 2 3B, 15 2B, 9 HR, 32 RBI, 1 SB, 4 CS, 37 BB, 139 K

The exact opposite of the aforementioned Reyes, Newton had a disappointing 2019 season that started with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss around a month to begin the season. When he did return to the field, Newton produced an up and down season that saw plenty of rough patches mixed in with flashes of the potential many see in his game.

A prospect with raw power potential, Newton possesses the capability to blossom into a 20-plus home run player if he can manage to make more consistent contact. While most young players who are plagued with high strikeout numbers like Newton (32.9 strikeout percentage in 2019) lack the plate discipline to generate walks, Newton is the opposite, as he had 37 walks in 2019 resulting in him finishing second on the team.

This leads most to believe that his issue is more about getting the barrel to the ball than swinging at bad pitches. Whether his issue in 2019 was a result of his shoulder injury lingering around or a need to develop his quick bat speed into a more contact-oriented approach, the organic skills he possesses are still too great to turn evaluators off of him.

A jack of all trades on defense, Newton has played all over the infield. Being an above-average athlete provides him the range to make plays, and a powerful arm helps in that department as well. His best defensive attribute is his ability to read the ball off the bat, and that affords him the opportunity to always be in a good position to field the ball.

When baseball resumes, many will be keeping an eye on Newton. If he can turn the corner and get his offensive tools to translate to the batter’s box, he could become one of the more prolific hitters in the Mets’ system.

No. 2 Andres Gimenez

B/T: L/R Age: 21
Acquired: Signed as international free agent in 2015
2019 Stats: 479 PA, .250/.309/.387, 5 3B, 22 2B, 9 HR, 37 RBI, 28 SB, 16 CS, 24 BB, 102 K

After a 2018 season that saw Gimenez vault into the upper echelon of the Mets’ prospect rankings, his 2019 campaign was an up and down affair due to injury, change in approach, and competition above his age range.

Gimenez was hit on the hand in early June and ended up on the injured list. When he made his return later that month, it took a little time to get going, but by the end of the season he was back to being the player that received such strong accolades after the 2018 season. Following the Binghamton season, the Mets sent Gimenez to the Arizona Fall League, where he would lead the league in average and OPS.

The Mets and Gimenez decided to alter his approach and swing in 2019 in order to get more explosiveness and generate more power. While it did result in a career-high nine home runs, it definitely had an impact on his ability to make consistent contact, especially in the beginning of the campaign. As the AFL season went on, it seemed that Gimenez had figured out how to accomplish both things while in the box.

The down season in terms of stats is likely the culprit of Gimenez seeing his overall rankings slip in some of the top prospect lists. Having dropped from a consensus top fifty prospect to a player who struggled to make some lists is strange when you consider the hand injury and the fact that Gimenez was a 20-year-old playing four years below the league’s average age in a notoriously pitcher-friendly park in Binghamton.

While the hand injury certainly had an effect on his defense for a brief period of time in 2019, for the most part Gimenez continued to play the excellent defense he is known for. He continued this in the AFL, showing that any in-season miscues were more the result of the injury than him losing any ability in the field.

A smooth defender who makes plays with ease, Gimenez has the playmaking ability to stick at shortstop for the majority of his career. The bigger issue for Gimenez and his long-term future as a Mets shortstop is that ahead of him is Amed Rosario  in the majors and Ronny Mauricio  on his heels a few levels below. If Rosario continues to improve his game at the MLB level and Mauricio develops into the player many think he is capable of, it may force Gimenez off shortstop and into another position.

With Gimenez having been added to the 40-man roster this past offseason, it will be interesting to see if the 2020 season and the discussion of expanded rosters finds Gimenez getting his Flushing debut a little earlier than most would have predicted pre-pandemic. If that doesn’t happen, one can expect Gimenez to make his debut in 2021 with the Mets while in the midst of plenty of rumors.

No. 1 Ronny Mauricio

B/T: S/R Age: 19
Acquired:  Signed as international free agent in 2017-2018
2019 Stats: 504 PA, .268/.307/.357, 5 3B, 20 2B, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 6 SB, 10 CS, 23 BB, 99 K

When you are named the top prospect in a ranking of the Mets’ system, you are obviously going to be the No. 1 prospect at your position, and that’s where Mauricio finds himself.

After having an above-average season in 2019 for Columbia in the SAL, a pitcher-friendly league and home stadium, the 19-year-old finds himself in the same position as past top shortstop prospects Amed Rosario and Jose Reyes. Having such high praise put on a teenager is not something done very lightly, yet many analysts agree Mauricio is a player that is on the path to becoming a superstar.

The statistical analysis for Mauricio doesn’t tell the full story of how impressive a season the then 18-year-old put up in 2019. A little more than three years younger than the average player in the league, his numbers for the first five months of the season were an impressive .282/.323/.380 line, with 20 doubles, four triples, three home runs, and 27 RBI. After August, the youngster seemed to hit the full season wall as his production tapered off, as is seen with many players in their first year playing over 100 games.

At the plate, Mauricio displays above-average bat speed, with a long swing that allows him to keep his hands in the zone. The switch-hitter has been able to stay consistent with his swing from both sides of the plate. When it comes to generating power from his swing, it is mostly on the raw side currently, which will develop as he matures physically. He does need to work on his ability to keep the ball off the ground and get more lift out of his swing, which he did improve on in 2019.

A great athlete with unteachable instincts, Mauricio is capable of currently handling the shortstop position without any major flaws. Arm strength is also a tool in Mauricio’s bag, as some scouts feel it is the best among all shortstops in the organization. His continued development physically is the only issue he will have to encounter when trying to project his defensive future. If he were to add too much bulk and muscle, he may have to move off of shortstop and into a corner infield or outfield position.

When looking at Mauricio, it is hard not to fall in love with the idea of him being a future All-Star that will have a big impact in a Mets uniform. He has the natural ability and skill set that most teenage baseball players don’t possess. After such a promising first full season, the future looks very bright for the next top shortstop prospect.

The post MMO Top 5 Prospects: Shortstop appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

No. 5 Will Toffey

B/T: L/R Age:25 ( 12/31/1994)
Height: 6’2’’ Weight: 205
Acquired: Via trade with the Oakland Athletics with Bobby Wahl in exchange for Jeurys Familia
2019 Stats  (Binghamton): .219/.347/.349, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 111 wRC+

If you have ever seen the movie “Moneyball” you know the Oakland A’s like players who can generate a free pass via the walk. Unfortunately for Toffey, that might be his only above average skill and probably why the A’s were willing to include him the deadline deal for Familia in 2018.

In 2019 Toffey registered 50 walks in comparison to 90 strikeouts. His level and quick swing ,in addition to his exceptional eye provide an ability to swing much latter than most players by comparison. This also leads to his ability to hit the ball the opposite way, yet it means more line drives vs home runs. He has raw power, yet the inability to translate it into games remains a knock on his profile. His average took a dive down in 2019 to .219, the lowest he has had as a professional.

An average fielder who provides solid defense at third, he should have no problem playing there for the remainder of his career. He will struggle to make the spectacular plays but the routine ones will continually find their way into his glove.

Toffey will continue to do what he does best, walk, and that may carve a nice career for him as a pinch hitter/role player as that is something that many players struggle to develop. His future as a regular player will be defined by his ability to hit for more power and higher average.

No. 4 Jose Peroza
B/T: R/R. Age:19 (06/15/2000)
Height: 6’1’’ Weight:214
Acquired:  Signed out of Venezuela in 2016
2019 Stats ( Brooklyn and GCL): .263/.330/.514, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 143 wRC+

After a disappointing 2018 season Peroza turned in one of the better minor league seasons by any Mets prospects. Starting in the GCL, Peroza hit .328 ,6 HR,and 20 RBI in 16 games with 64 at-bats. He was then promoted to Brooklyn where his performance did slip slightly, but considering his age versus the level of competition it was to be expected.

With a large frame and raw power to all parts of the ballpark it was nice to see Peroza translate it into games as he hit the forth most home runs in the GCL. While he must work on his discipline and lack of drawing walks has been an issue for him since coming stateside, his strikeout numbers were not at the level of concern to keep him off our radar.

While he did play a few positions in the GCL, once he was promoted to Brooklyn he logged all his reps at the hot corner. Through 215 innings he only committed two errors. Possessing a strong arm and decent range for a player his size ,there is not yet any major red flags to make anyone think third base is not his best position moving forward.

Considering his top level success when repeating the GCL to start the 2019 season, a repeat of that in 2020 with Brooklyn would only further his name on Mets prospect lists.

Jaylen Palmer/Photo by Allen Greene Photography

No. 3 Jaylen Palmer
B/T: R/R Age: 19 (07/31/2000)
Height: 6’3 Weight: 195
Acquired: Drafted in 22nd Round of the 2018 MLB Draft
2019 Stats (Kingsport): .260/.344/.413, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 111 wRC+

Jaylen Palmer is a hometown kid, as he was born in Flushing and drafted out of Holy Cross HS. The 19-year old spent his 2019 season in Kingsport and was the fourth youngest hitter in the league.

Raw is the word that many use to describe Palmer’s game. While he put together a season that saw him being named the tenth best prospect in the Appalachian League, many scouts and evaluators see a player that has yet to maximize on the talent they see in him. In what is a reoccurring theme for many of the guys on this list, Palmer struggled with his strikeouts (39.1%)and has work to do to turn his above average bat speed into more constant contact. He does generate power and if he is able to develop better pitch recognition we should see an increase to the seven home runs he hit in 2019.

Splitting his time between third base and shortstop, Palmer showed the ability to handle both positions at an above average level. Quick hands, strong arm, and deceiving athleticism are the backbone of the thought that he can play on the left side of the infield going forward, with the focus being at third as he matures physically.

The future for Palmer will be determined by his ability to turn his offensive tools into performance. His ceiling at the third base position is quite high considering his definitive ability to defensively handle the position, while the two players on this list ahead of him have raised questions about their ability to do so.

Photo by Allen Greene Photography

No. 2 Brett Baty
B/T: L/R Age:20 (11/13/1999)
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 210 lbs
Acquired: First round in 2019 from Lake Travis HS, Austin, Texas
2019 Stats: 51 Games, .234/.368/.452, 16 2B, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 115 wRC

The most advanced bat of the 2019 Amateur Draft, Brett Baty was drafted twelfth overall by the Mets out of Texas. The term “most advanced” tends to happen when a player has won multiple awards and is hitting over .600 at the time of the draft but it also can be used as a slight negative as Baty was a 19-year old senior who was significantly more physically mature than his high school opponents.

Following the draft the Mets sent Baty to the GCL, where most high school draftees tend to start their careers. After a torrid five game span, Baty earned himself a promotion to Kingsport where he found himself for most of the season until a brief promotion to Brooklyn for the Cyclones playoff run.

Power is Baty’s calling card, his high school batting practice sessions were must see, and he profiles as a middle of the order hitter. Like many prospects Baty will have to work on his ability to make contact as he struck out 65 times in 188 at-bats in 2019.

One surprise from the 2019 season for Baty was his defense. Prior to the draft many had Baty pegged as a guy who would eventually have to transition across the diamond to first base or a corner outfield spot, yet his performance left some to think he could stick at third due to his better than expected athleticism and plus arm.

When evaluating Baty going forward the most notable thing to keep an eye on is his age. He would have begun his first full professional season, in 2020, at the age of 20 and this will cause many to expect him to move quickly through the system like he did in 2019. All stumbles and rough patches will be amplified due to his lack of perceived time to develop.

Photo: Ed Delany, MMO

No. 1 Mark Vientos
B/T: R/R Age: 20 (12/11/1999)
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 185 lbs
Acquired: 2017 Amateur Draft (2nd round, American Heritage HS, FL)
2019 Stars: ( Columbia) 111 G, .255/.300/.411, 27 2B, 12 HR, 62 RBI, 105 wRC+

The 2019 organizational Hitter of the Year, Mark Vientos lands as our top third base prospect. This comes after a year that saw the then 19-year old produce an above average campaign in his first full season of professional baseball.

A power bat who needs to cut down on his strikeouts, as he struck out nearly five times as much as he walked in 2019, his 12 home runs placed him in a group of only seven teenagers to hit double digit home runs in the SAL. Vientos has the chance to become a middle of the order hitter who makes hard contact when he gets the bat on the ball.

On defense while his glove is not currently going to win him much praise, he does present a strong arm and has plenty of time to develop as a fielder due to his age and timetable for his debut. It will be interesting to see as he and Baty eventually become teammates who is going to get the main share of reps at third base and who is forced to learn a new position. Vientos does have the arm and bat profile for a corner outfield spot if it is he that is moved off third base.

Heading into next season Vientos will be only 20 years old and already in his fourth overall season in the minors. Having so much experience at such a young age is something that leads many to be highly enthusiastic about his future in the organization.

The post MMO Top 5 Prospects: Vientos Powers Third Basemen appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

No. 8 Shervyen Newton  Infielder 

B/T: S/R   Age: 20 (4/24/1999)
Height: 6’4”  Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Signed as International Free Agent in 2015 ($50,000 out of Netherlands)
ETA: 2022  Previous Rank: 10
2019 Stats: .209 AVG, .283 OBP, .330 SLG, 15 2B, 9 HR, 8.7 BB%, 32.9 K%, 81 wRC+

The infielder began his Mets career with the DSL Mets in 2016 at the age of 17. Newton would go on to struggle in 150 plate appearances, thus making the Mets decision to have him repeat the league in 2017 a warranted one. 2017 however would be a the complete opposite of a season for the young infielder. In 303 plate appearances Newton had an average of .311 with an on-base percentage of .411 thanks to his nearly identical strikeout to walk ratio (57K/50BB). His stat line was also rounded out with 10 stolen bases.

With his age 19 season approaching in 2018, the Mets decided it was time to send Newton to Kingsport for rookie ball. While leading the team in plate appearances (266) he was able to amass a .280 average and .408 on-base percentage, with five home runs and 41 RBIs. The season was a positive one, yet a red flag did develop as Newton struck out in 31.6% of his at-bats. He did however, keep his on-base high as he managed to walk 46 times, finishing second in the league in that category.

As the 2019 season started many, including myself, had Newton pegged as the breakout prospect to watch heading into his first full season with Columbia in A-Ball. Unfortunately, the season did not go as planned as Newton started the year with a shoulder injury forcing him to miss almost a month and for the most part struggled mightily with a few stretches of well played ball.

In total Newton posted a .209/.283/.330 line with nine home runs and one stolen base. The most worrisome stat of his year, and a repeat of 2018, was the fact that he struck out 139 times at a percentage of 32.9. He once again showed his ability to draw a free pass as he finished second on the team with 37 walks.

While Columbia was not exactly an offensive powerhouse as a team in 2019, the fact that both of the teams other top offensive prospects in Columbia, Ronny Mauricio  and Mark Vientos , both had much more positive showings leaves Newton behind both as far the question of if they are ready to advance to St Lucie in High A-ball. If he can show early on that his 2019 season was due to his shoulder injury and recovery from it, versus being over matched by improved pitching in the SAL, he could move up quickly to join both in the newly remodeled Clover Park.

Defensively, Newton has been a jack of all infield trades having spent time at third base, shortstop and second base. His best trait is his quick reaction as he is a very good athlete who reads the ball well off the bat. His arm is plus as well and affords him to hold his own at any position he is put down for on the lineup card.

Considering that he should spend a lot of time with the aforementioned Vientos and Mauricio, as well as Brett Baty likely progressing through the system along with the trio, second base should be the primary position for Newton moving forward. The outfield is also not out of the question as Newton is athletic enough to play a corner outfield spot.

When talking about Newton the thing you hear most is raw potential especially in the power department. His 6’4” frame affords him the ability to generate a lot of hard contact, and should he continue to develop physically that should increase as well. His bat speed is also above average leaving just his need to make more consistent contact holding him back from being in the upper tier of offensive prospects in the system.

The 2020 season will be a very big one for Newton as he has to start to show that he can be a more complete offensive player. As stated earlier, I would expect him to begin the year in Columbia with the opportunity to move up quickly if he comes out of the gates swinging a hot bat.

Previous Rankings

9 Thomas Szapucki – LHP, 10 Josh Wolf – RHP, 11 Kevin Smith – LHP, 12 Franklyn Kilome – RHP, 13 Jordan Humphreys – RHP, 

14 Junior Santos – RHP, 15 Carlos Cortes – 2B, 16 Freddy Valdez – OF, 17 Adrian Hernandez – CF, 18 Dedniel Nunez – RHP 

19 Alexander Ramirez – OF, 20 Ali Sanchez – C, 25-21 Led by Jaylen Palmer, 30-26 Led by Ryley Gilliam

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Thomas Szapucki – Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

No. 9 Thomas Szapucki, LHP
B/T: R/L  Age: 23 ( 6/12/1996)
Height: 6’2’’  Weight:  181 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in 5th round of 2015 MLB Amateur Draft (Palm Beach, FL)
ETA: 2021 Previous Rank: 8
2019 Stars: 3 levels, 1-3 , 2.63 ERA, 61.2 IP, 72 K, 26 BB, 10.5 So/9, 1.216 WHIP

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB amateur draft out of William T. Dwyer High School of Palm Beach, Florida, Thomas Szapucki  was listed as a top 100 prospect by both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline in regards to his draft class. Committed to the University of Florida, the Mets were able to convince Szapucki to sign for $375,000, which was only $20,000 above his pick slot.

Upon joining the Mets in 2015, the organization was cautious with the left-hander due to his heavy high school work load. In three relief appearances. totaling two and a third innings he would surrender four runs.

The 2016 season saw Szapucki begin his year with Kingsport in rookie ball. His first real time in professional baseball would be a success as he would go on to dominate in Kingsport. Through 29 innings he would compile a 0.62 ERA with 47 strikeouts in comparison to only nine walks. With the organization convinced there was nothing more for Szapucki to prove in Kingsport he would receive a promotion to Brooklyn and A-ball.

His success would follow him north as he would put up a strong 2.35 ERA, this time striking out 39 batters vs giving up 11 walks through 23 innings pitched. When the season finished many outlets had Szapucki pegged as one of, if not the best pitching prospect in the Mets system.

With the Mets now considering Szapucki to be one of their headlining pitching prospects they decided to have him start the 2017 season in full season A-ball Columbia. Through his first six starts Szapucki showed no signs of failure to the challenge and put up a strong line consisting of a 2.79 ERA with 27 strikeouts through 29 innings. That would be the end of his season however as tightness in his left forearm would turn out to be a torn ulnar collateral ligament. With Tommy John surgery being the next logical step, Szapucki would miss the rest of the 2017 and 2018 seasons rehabbing.

With his rehab complete and ready to get back on to the field, Szapucki began the 2019 season back with Columbia pitching 21 2/3 successful innings before earning a promotion to St. Lucie in High A-ball. After a 36 inning, nine start stretch culminating in a 3.25 ERA and 42 strikeouts, he would receive another promotion, this time heading to Binghamton for Double A-ball. He would only make one start of four innings before the 2019 season would come to an end.

Szapucki features two plus pitches, a fastball and curveball, as well as a developing changeup. Prior to his TJS, Szapucki’s fastball would sit in the mid 90’s topping out around 96-97. His velocity has been down since his return, with a top speed of around 94, yet he and the Mets are all encouraged by the progress he has made so far and believe that a return to his prior velocity mark is inevitable.

While his injury and surgery had an effect on his fastball, the same can not be said about his curveball. Considered to be the one of the top breaking ball of his draft class, Szapucki throws a traditional curveball sitting in the low 80’s with high spin rate, that at times can leave the opposition looking foolish at the plate. His repertoire is rounded out by a changeup that while considered a work in progress, does show flashes of being a average to plus pitch that he uses against right-handers to keep them off balance.

The most noticeable aspect of Szapucki’s pitching profile is the three-quarters arm slot delivery that makes it hard for hitters to pick up the ball on. It also limits the opposition’s ability to lift the ball evidenced by the four total home runs he has given up through his 145 minor league innings. His ability to throw all three of his pitches from the same delivery point is part of what makes him so effective, even with his velocity only beginning to climb back up post-surgery.

The 2.63 ERA and 10.5 K/9 he posted in 2019 was enough to convince the Mets they should add the Rule 5 eligible Szapucki to the 40-man roster during the offseason.

It would be hard to imagine him making his way to Citi Field in 2020, yet if his velocity continues to climb back and his ability to get outs continues we could see him make his debut this year due to lack of starting pitching depth in the organization. A 2021 debut seems much more likely. I believe Szapucki beings the 2020 season in Double-A Binghamton, with a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse on the early horizon as he looks to put his name back into the conversation of who is the best Mets pitching prospect.

Previous Rankings

10 Josh Wolf – RHP, 11 Kevin Smith – LHP, 12 Franklyn Kilome – RHP, 13 Jordan Humphreys – RHP, 14 Junior Santos – RHP

15 Carlos Cortes – 2B, 16 Freddy Valdez – OF, 17 Adrian Hernandez – CF, 18 Dedniel Nunez – RHP 

19 Alexander Ramirez – OF, 20 Ali Sanchez – C, 25-21 Led by Jaylen Palmer, 30-26 Led by Ryley Gilliam

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