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Gavin Cecchini has had a breakout year with the bat for the Binghamton Mets that has put him on the prospect map including ranking #69 on John Sickels mid-season top 75 prospect list. Baseball America recently chose a 13 player All-Prospect team for July including eight position players and five pitchers with Cecchini being their selection at shortstop.
The Mets drafted him in the first round (12th overall) in 2012 and have been waiting for him to have a year just like this. He has struggled a little bit in the field with 25 errors with a majority of them coming from high throws but only has one in his last 13 games.
Gavin accomplished his best month in July after battling through what was his worst in June batting just .208/.260/.302 with only seven extra base hits. For the month of July he hit .378/.453/.532 with six doubles, three triples, two homeruns, 21 runs, and 18 RBI with a 15/17 BB/SO. His 48 hits led all minor league players and his .453 OBP was first among shortstops in full season ball.
In July he had 12 multi-hit games, 4 four-hit games, and a career-high five hits on the 30th against Richmond. He had a four RBI game and walked seven times in a four game series vs. the Portland Sea Dogs.
When I first saw Gavin in person this year I was impressed with his ability to hit the ball to all fields. What also struck me was his short and compact swing that allows him to make lots of solid contact without big strikeouts numbers. This year he has struck out only 47 times in 391 at bats compared to 35 walks.
Overall for the season Gavin is hitting .312/.370/.442 with 22 doubles, 4 triples, 7 homeruns, 56 run scored, and 49 RBI while playing 97 games. He has been clutch this season hitting .438/.478/.531 with 26 RBI in 64 at bats with runners in scoring position with two outs. Gavin is still only 21-years old and has taken just three at bats this year against a pitcher younger than him.
As I am typing this the Eastern League announced that Cecchini was named the player of the month for the league in July as well. Seems like everything is coming up Mets lately.
