Mets 2016 Breakout Prospect: RHP Chris Flexen

Continuing our series of potential breakout prospects is right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen, a projectable righty drafted in 2012, who suffered a delay due to Tommy John Surgery. Our first two candidates in the series were third baseman David Thompson and Jhoan Urena.

Profile:

Chris Flexen was drafted out of Newark Memorial HS in California, during the 14th round. He was awarded an overslot bonus of $374,000. In an early draft report by Baseball America, he was called a “projectable arm” that could reach 93, with much more potential to fill out a skinny frame. BA also said he had the potential for a plus slider.

He, however has had an inconsistent career struggling initially in Kingsport before repeating and excelling. Then in 2014 he struggled with his control and recorded a 4.83 earned run average with 13 starts in Savannah, before undergoing Tommy John Surgery. He returned on June 24th of this past year and pitched rehabilitation games in Gulf Coast League, and Brooklyn before returning to the Savannah Sand Gnats. In his final six games, he pitched much better, posting a 1.87 ERA, with a 1.9 BB/9, and nearly a strikeout per inning.

Why he may be a candidate:

According to recent scouting reports, Flexen’s fastball velocity has improved to the mid 90’s, and has touched 97. With an improving slider, and changeup he could have a serious arsenal in his future. He is finally healthy, which could lead to a great full season. One caveat is he has only pitched a maximum of 69 innings, so we’ll keep cautious about his future for now. We hope to see a bigger influx of innings as well.

Ted’s Prospect Extras

The Top 5 2012 Draft Picks