New York Mets prospect Jhoan Urena had a much needed bounce back season in 2017 after two straight disappointing years in St. Lucie.
Of course, the big key for Urena this year was finally being 100% healthy following breaking both hamate bones in 2015.
The recently turned 23-year-old Urena hit .282/.364/.437 for the St. Lucie Mets this season in 458 at-bats before a late season promotion to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s.
In 13 games for Vegas he went 10 for 44 with one triple, three home runs and one stolen base.
The switch-hitter set career-highs in 2017 with 34 doubles, 14 home runs, 70 RBI, 77 runs scored and 18 stolen bases. He also played in a career-high 135 games between the two levels.
Urena also improved his versatility by playing in the outfield for the first time during his minor league career with 10 games in left field and one in right field. Though third base is his natural position, he played 35 games at first base this season after seeing his first action there in 2016.
Urena makes hard contact from both sides of the plate, but still has trouble with offspeed pitch recognition. He’s a line drive type hitter that was in great shape this year and showed that off in the base paths with his aggressiveness and 18 stolen bases.
Has a strong enough arm for third base though his footwork and reactions there have had the Mets slide him across the diamond to first at times. Still merely an average defender at first.
It’s interesting to note that Urena is participating in the Mets Instructional League and they listed him as a left fielder. I think the stronger and quicker version of Urena could be passable in the corner outfield spots enough to get him playing time there.
Urena was named the Mets Sterling Award winner for the St. Lucie Mets this year and was a Florida State League All-Star. The talent showing through now isn’t a big surprise having been named a Baseball America Short-Season All-Star following a great 2014 campaign for the Brooklyn Cyclones and him looking like he is finally healthy.
Other Mets Minors News and Notes
Despite it typically being for lower level or players coming off from injury, Mets first base prospect Peter Alonso is working in the Instructional League as he hopes to improve his defense at first base.
Speaking of instructs, you can click here to get your first look at Mets new IFA signing bonus record holder Ronny Mauricio and here to see outfielder Adrian Hernandez who was ranked No. 16 by Baseball America.
Baseball America ranked Mets minor league shortstop Andres Gimenez as the No. 7 prospect in the South Atlantic League.
Las Vegas 51s hitting coach Jack Voigt announced on twitter last night he will not be returning to the Mets organization in 2018.
Former Mets general manager Joe McDonald is part of the Florida State League’s 2017 Hall of Fame class.
