Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

Jake Mangum has been one of the best performers at the minor league level for the Mets in 2022. The 2019 fourth-round pick has made strides at the plate in the first month and a half of the season, resulting in his promotion to Triple-A Syracuse earlier this week.

In just three games at Syracuse, Mangum is 8-for-12 with three doubles, a walk, and two stolen bases. That includes a four-for-five day with two extra base hits in a 9-7 loss against the Rochester Red Wings on Thursday night. Mangum has had a multi-hit night in two of his first three games with Syracuse. Only 14 plate appearances is certainly a small sample size, but it’s good to see the Mets No. 16 prospect get off to a fast start at the minors highest level.

The outfielder began the 2022 season with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies in Double-A. In 31 games with Binghamton, Mangum had a slash line of .283/.353/.408 in 134 plate appearances. While those numbers were very good, he struggled at the plate in April. In 15 games, Mangum had an OPS at .606 in 66 total plate appearances. His overall numbers in Double-A show how much of a turnaround he had in May.

His success in Binghamton was something he showed last season as well. Mangum played 75 games at Double-A in 2021, hitting .294 with an OBP at .342 and an OPS at .801. The outfielder showed what type of hitter he can be over quite a large sample size. His ability to hit for a good average while also being someone who can get on-base at a good rate is something the Mets organization values.

Mangum’s best qualities throughout his minor league career have been his plus defense in center field and his good speed on the bases. The switch hitter hasn’t shown discernible splits in the entirety of his minor league career.

Mangum has made a name for himself with a strong start to the season at both Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. At the age of 26, it is time for the outfielder to allow himself to make it to the majors. If Mangum can continue to swing a quality bat while being a good baserunner and playing strong defense, he could find himself in contention for a big league roster spot when the Mets need an outfielder.