The Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies wrapped up their season on Sunday afternoon with a 4-0 loss to the Reading Fightin Phils. The Ponies struggled this season, finishing in fourth place in the Double-A Northeast division with a 47-60 record.
While it was a disappointing season for the team as a whole, some of the Mets prospects at the Double-A level did enjoy strong years at the plate.
Of course, most notable of the bunch was third baseman Mark Vientos. The 22-year old took some major steps forward, and put his power on display, launching 22 homers with a .927 OPS in 72 games before being promoted to Triple-A Syracuse.
Brett Baty tore up Low-A Brooklyn, and then continued to impress in 40 games with the Ponies. 5’7” utility man Carlos Cortes also enjoyed a nice year at the plate, and Ronny Mauricio was impressive in a brief stint to finish the year.
Perhaps one of the more underrated prospects and biggest risers on the offensive side of things this season in the organization was Rumble Ponies starting center fielder Jake Mangum.
The Mets selected Mangum in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Mangum played out all four years as a Mississippi State Bulldog, and was loved by fans for his passion and hard-nosed playing style.
He was a three-time All-American, and set the school and conference record for hits. Mangum was most known for his glove, speed, and his hit tool, showing little to no power during his time as a Bulldog.
After a year off due to the pandemic, Mangum returned to the field with a newfound power tool. This season between both High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton, Mangum hit a total of nine home runs. He hit just five during his four collegiate seasons.
Mangum also picked up 22 doubles and four triples, while hitting .285 with a .337 OBP, .791 OPS, 117 wRC+, and 14 stolen bases. He was as hot as can be during the month of August, as he rode a 13-game hitting streak and hit .419 with a 1.115 OPS and 16 RBI over 22 games.
Perhaps one of the most encouraging signs is that Mangum struck out just 58 times over 75 games after the promotion, which is good enough for a 17.6% strikeout percentage. It’s nice to see the kid add some pop at the plate while also cutting down on the strikeouts.
With his passion, aggressiveness, bat-to-ball skills, and stellar center field defense Mangum certainly has what it takes the scratch the big league level. With a strong showing in camp, he should begin next season with Triple-A Syracuse.
Mangum is a gamer, he’s a great guy on and off the field, and gives 110% day in and day out. He had a spectacular first full season in pro ball, and it’s going to be fun to watch him continue to develop over the next few seasons.
