Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com provided an interesting analysis last night of the Mets’ minor league system. Mayo said that the Mets have a lot of talent up and down the minors, but he described it as more “top-heavy” with a total of 12 prospects with an ETA of 2015.
Here is his breakdown of the Mets’ highly ranked farm.
Biggest jump: Marcos Molina, RHP (2014: Unranked | 2015: 9)
Biggest fall: Domingo Tapia, RHP (2014: 15 | 2015: Unranked)
Breakdown by ETA
2015: 12
2016: 5
2017: 6
2018: 7
Best tools:
Hit: Michael Conforto (55)
Power: Conforto (60)
Run: Champ Stuart (80)
Arm: Amed Rosario (65)
Defense: Milton Ramos (65)
Fastball: Noah Syndergaard (70)
Curveball: Syndergaard (60)
Slider: Dario Alvarez (60)
Changeup: Akeel Morris (60)
Control: Gabriel Ynoa (60)
How they were built
Draft: 20
International: 7
Trade: 2
Free agent: 1
Breakdown by position
C: 1
1B: 1
2B: 2
3B: 1
SS: 4
OF: 5
RHP: 12
LHP: 4
Thoughts: It’s not surprising to see Conforto given the top hit and power tool. He is the best pure hitter the Mets have in the minors, and he can move up the system very quickly. Conforto batted .331 with 3 home runs in 42 games for Brooklyn last season.
On the pitching side, Syndergaard is an obvious choice for the best fastball and curve. However, it’s nice to see under the radar pitchers like Morris, Alvarez and Ynoa get some recognition for their abilities.
While Tapia had the biggest fall last season, I wouldn’t be so quick to count him out just yet. Despite his disappointing performance, Tapia has an explosive mid-to-high 90’s fastball with excellent sink. Tapia can still put it all together someday, and he’s someone who might find success if he’s transitioned into a relief role.
