Mets Minors: Top 30 Midseason Mets Prospects

Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

The Mets took a risk in the 2019 draft when they selected right-hander Matthew Allan in the third round of the draft. He was considered a first round talent that dropped because of signability concerns. Allan signed with the Mets to go along with first rounder Brett Baty and second rounder Josh Wolf, a nice trio to add to the Mets minor leagues.

Brodie Van Wagenen and the Mets front office needed that to add that high upside talent to the Mets farm system after trading a handful of Top 30 prospects during the offseason including outfield stud Jarred Kelenic.

As you will see in this list, lots of the high upside talent are extremely young and in the lower levels of the Mets system.

SS Ronny Mauricio – The 18-year-old is one of the youngest players in the South Atlantic League and certainly holding his own. Both FanGraphs and Keith Law have him in their Top 50 MLB prospects.
SS Andres Gimenez – It’s been a disappointing season as the plate for Gimenez. He’s dealt with a a few minor nagging injuries and is till just 20 years old though.
LHP Anthony Kay – After dominating in Double-A, he’s struggled with the juiced ball in Triple-A for Syracuse (runs are up over 1.0 a game in the IL).
RHP Simeon Woods Richardson – He’s bounced back nicely from a tough stretch earlier this year, now has a 2.20 ERA in his last seven starts. He’s only 18 and his 2.68 FIP ranks seventh in the league.
3B Brett Baty – The 12th overall pick from the 2019 has hit .244/.380/.488 in his first 11 pro games between the GCL and Kingsport Mets. The 19-year-old has a polished swing that could have him move quick through the Mets system.
RHP Matthew Allan – The Mets gambled paid off and they were able to get a first round talent in the third round. His fastball/curve combo both project as 70-grade pitches.
LHP David Peterson – His very solid season is going under the radar with the focus on Kay as next Mets potential starter. The 23-year-old has posted a 3.01 FIP, 2.81 xFIP, 4.18 ERA, 9.75 K/9, and has given up only six home runs in 84 innings this year for Binghamton in Double-A.
C Francisco Alvarez – I was able to get a close look at the 17-year-old in minor league spring earlier this year and I came away very impressed. Quick hands, above average power, and good plate discipline. He’s hitting .378/.509/.689 in his first 13 pro games. Also has good arm behind the plate.
3B Mark Vientos – This was the most contentious ranking about our writers as some had him as high as No. 4. Ultimately, concerns about him sticking at third base were part of the reason he landed here.
LHP Thomas Szapucki – High upside lefty is back from TJS though his innings have been extremely limited to this point after a couple of minor setbacks. Has 2.13 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 25.1 innings this year between Columbia and St. Lucie.
RHP Josh Wolf – The prep righty from Texas jumped up draft boards after flashing 97 mph on his fastball this spring. Curveball has already been rated as plus by Baseball America. Command is a long-term concern.
INF Shervyen Newton – Talented and versatile infielder that likely came back from an injury too quickly this year. He’s hitting just .218/.287/.320 on the season for Columbia though he does currently have five straight multi-hit games. He’s played mostly second base this season to accommodate Mauricio and Vientos. He has experience at all four infield spots.
RHP Junior Santos – 17-year-old that is already pitching the the Appalachian League for the Kingsport Mets. Four pitch guy that currently has fastball in the low-90s. Impressive mechanics given his age and 6’8” frame.
OF Adrian Hernandez – High upside IFA signing from two years ago was off to nice start this season (1.018 OPS in 4 games) before suffering a leg injury that will likely keep him out for the remainder of the season.
RHP Franklyn Kilome – Return from the Asdrubal Cabrera trade will miss the entire season after needing TJS.
OF Freddy Valdez – The 17-year-old is hitting .273/.355/.430 in his first 30 pro games for the Dominican Summer League.
C Ali Sanchez – Always known for his strong overall defense behind the plate, the 22-year-old has hit .297/.353/.369 with Double-A Binghamton.
2B Carlos Cortes – Third round pick from 2018 is hitting .250/.332/.393 with 34 BB/51 K this year for St. Lucie.
OF Alexander Ramirez – The Mets big signing from the current IFA class. He was given a $2.05 million signing bonus.
RHP Dedniel Nunez – He’s popped out of nowhere to strike out an impressive 94 batters in 80 innings this year with Columbia and St. Lucie.
RHP Tony Dibrell – Strong 2.56 ERA this year, though his velocity has dropped a few mph and strikeouts are down this year as well.
RHP Ryley Gilliam – Fifth rounder from last year felt destined to hit the big leagues this year before hitting a wall in Syracuse.
LHP Kevin Smith – Seventh rounder last year that has been one of the best starters in Florida State League with 94 strikeouts and 3.28 ERA in 79 innings for St. Lucie.
INF Jaylen Palmer – Third straght pick from 2018 on the list, the 18-year-old 22nd rounder is hitting .269/.356/.474 this year.
RHP Jordan Humphreys – Has only pitched once this season following TJS.
RHP Daison Acosta – 20-year-old has struck out 28 batters in 22 innings this year between Brooklyn and Columbia. Fastball up to 94 mph.
SS William Lugo – Under the radar IFA signing from last season, has plus raw power.
INF Luis Carpio – Somehow still just 22 years old. Has looked playable defensively at SS.
RHP Jose Butto – Like his frame after putting on some muscle this offseason. Late movement on fastball has him keeping the ball in the yard (0.77 HR/9) and limiting fly balls overall (33.0 flyball%)
RHP Bryce Hutchinson – Still only 20, working with a 6’6”, 245 frame. Has 3.28 ERA pitching in multiple roles for Columbia.

As you can see the talent level certainly does drop off after the Top 12 or so. And as previously noted, it’s a system that is going to rely a lot of the development of raw, yet talented prospects in the lower levels.

Other names we considered for this list: RHP Ryder Ryan, RHP Steve Villines, RHP Matt Blackham, LHP Blake Taylor, RHP Michel Otanez, OF Jake Mangum (multiple writers had him in their top 30), C/1B Patrick Mazeika, OF Quinn Brodey, OF Stanley Consuegra, 3B Will Toffey, RHP Christian James, RHP Eric Hanhold, C Hayden Senger, C Andres Regnault, INF Federico Polanco.