Unheralded Mets’ Minor League Performers In 2023

Due to the unfortunate outcome of the major league season, the New York Mets were able to reload their farm system by selling at the trade deadline. During the second half of the season, it was terrific to monitor the performances of the Mets’ new top-tier prospects of the likes of Ryan Clifford, Luisangel Acuña, and Drew Gilbert. Not to mention, New York’s already standing top prospects in Jett Williams, Kevin Parada, and Ronny Mauricio.

All this was great, however, in a sense it almost took the spotlight off of some lesser-known prospects who turned in solid seasons. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few that fit this idea.

Paul Gervase

The 23-year-old right-handed pitcher bursted onto the scene this year. Paul Gervase began the season with High-A Brooklyn where he turned in a sparkling 1.72 ERA across 47 innings. He struck out a staggering 76 batters. He was then called up to Double-A Binghamton where he threw 10 innings striking out 20.

Gervase’s underlying metrics indicated that his strong performances were no fluke. He posted the seventh-best xFIP and third-best FIP in the Mets’ organization of the 40 pitchers that threw at least 50 innings in 2022.

If he can work out his walk issues, 42 free passes across 57 total innings in 2023, there is a real chance Gervase can emerge as a legit relief pitcher for the Mets within the next couple seasons.

Jeffry Rosa

The 19-year-old was a free agent signing back in 2022 and started very slowly within the organization. As a 17-year-old, Jeffry Rosa posted a .217 average to go along with only three home runs and a .686 OPS. He emerged in a big way this past season.

In his second season with the Mets in the Dominican Summer League (DSL), the outfielder slashed .277/.400/.669, good for an OPS of 1.069. He hit a staggering 15 home runs and tallied 39 RBIs. Over a 162-game pace, those numbers pro-rate out to 55 home runs and 144 RBIs. He had a monster season, to say the least.

Among qualified hitters in the Mets’ minor league system, Rosa owned the third-highest wRC+ at 166 and his 1.069 OPS ranked second. In the DSL (718 qualified), his wRC+ ranked 18th, his OPS ranked sixth, and the 15 home runs was the highest in the league.

Rhylan Thomas

The former USC Trojan was drafted by the Mets during the 2022 MLB Amateur Draft in the 11th round. In his first full season within the organization Rhylan Thomas showed strong flashes. As a result of these strong flashes, he made it all the way up to Double-A before season’s end.

The 23-year-old hit .328 across the three minor league levels, with an overall OPS of .832. He hit above .340 in both High-A and Double-A with a .303 average across 139 at-bats with Single-A St. Lucie. The .328 overall average was the highest in the Mets’ system and of the 1,054 players across all minor league levels with at least 300 plate appearances, he ranked 17th.

It was a very strong first professional season for the outfielder. With only three home runs and a slugging percentage of .425, power is lacking early on. Hopefully, with more development that part of his game progresses to pair with very solid bat-to-ball skills.

Joander Suarez

The 23-year-old right-handed starting pitcher threw 108 1/3 innings across High-A and Double-A this past season. Joander Suarez, posted a mediocre 4.24 ERA but struck out 137 and only allowed 86 hits. His underlying figures were kinder, reflecting a solid 3.48 FIP and 3.95 xFIP.

If this past season is any indication, Suarez may be headed in the right direction, emerging a sneaky prospect within the Mets’ system.

Interestingly enough, Suarez is Rule 5 Draft eligible this offseason, meaning, if he is not added to the Mets’ 40-man roster, another team may be able to select him.

Jostyn Almonte

Another DSL player, the 20-year-old outfielder improved on a decent 2022 tremendously. Jostyn Almonte his .311 with a .950 OPS and six home runs for Mets Blue of the DSL in 2023. In comparison, Almonte had a .783 OPS in 2022.

Among minor leaguers in the Mets’ system with at least 50 plate appearances, Almonte ranked fifth in batting average, second in OBP (.443), and seventh in OPS. His wRC+ of 154 ranked fifth in the system as well.

A prospect to certainly keep an eye on as he progresses throughout the system.