1. Andres Gimenez, SS
Age: 20 (9/4/98)
Level: AA
.281/.347/.409, 6 HR, .128 ISO, 116 wRC+, 6.2% BB, 18.3% K, 38 SB
Gimenez is an advanced hitter, reaching AA as a 19 year old. He has plus bat speed and strong wrists. His swing has loft and is conducive to future power projection. He’s the type of cerebral hitter that makes in-game adjustments and gets better as the game goes on. He has four 60+ tools and I think based on his bat speed, advanced approach, and barrel control in the zone that power will come. It’s a hill I’m willing to die on. You can read the full scouting report here.
2. Peter Alonso, 1B
Age: 24 (12/7/94)
Level: AAA
.285/.395/.579, 36 HR, .295 ISO, 158 wRC+, 13.2% BB, 22.3% K, 0 SB
When it comes to power, Alonso is the guy and if you’re going to have one plus carrying tool, power is not a bad one to have. I don’t expect his batting average to flirt with .300 as he did in 2018. This is in part to his susceptibility to off-speed away. I expect him to see plenty of that when he gets to the Big Apple. However, if anything catches the plate, Alonso has a chance to punish it.
The Mets have signaled they are in win now mode with additions of Cano, Diaz, and Ramos. Consider Alonso another “off-season” addition that will drastically lengthen the lineup compared to 2018. Teams are hard pressed to find that sort of power on the trade market with 6 years of control. Pencil him in for 30+ HRs in 2019. He may struggle a bit with his average as MLB pitchers learn to attack him but he will draw a fair amount of walks which will offset the average. .245/.330/.500+ with 35 HR is doable if the Mets give him the 1B job in April. ETA: 2019
3. Mark Vientos, 3B/SS
Age: 19 (12/11/99)
Level: Adv. Rookie
.287/.389/.489, 11 HR, .202 ISO, 132 wRC+, 14.1% BB, 16.4% K, 1 SB
Vientos played like a grown man in the Appy as an 18 year old. He has an advanced approach with plus bat speed and plus raw power. He has shown an ability to make adjustments as well—a good sign for a young hitter. Vientos is a good athlete and has played some shortstop but projects as a third baseman long-term. The bat-to-ball skills, polish, and emerging power at a young age are exciting. A strong 2019 in full season will position him firmly inside the top 75 prospects in the game. ETA: 2022
4. Ronny Mauricio, SS
Age: 17 (4/4/01)
Level: Rookie
.273/.304/.410, 3 HR .137 ISO, 96 wRC+, 5.3% BB, 16.2% K, 2 SB
Mauricio may be the best player in the system. He is tooled up with plus tools on both sides of the ball. At SS, he has good range, soft hands, and a strong, accurate arm. At the plate, the switch-hitter has plus raw power and plus bat speed. Mauricio is still raw, but he has a ton of projection. His bat will carry him even if he grows off shortstop and he should continue to add power in-game as he matures physically and mentally. ETA: 2023
5. Shervyen Newton, SS
Age: 19 (4/24/99)
Level: Adv. Rookie
.280/.408/.449, 5 HR, .169 ISO, 127 wRC+, 17.3% BB, 31.6% K, 4 SB
Like with Mauricio, we are talking about projection with Newton, who is listed at 6’4”. The bat speed is plus as are his instincts. Newton is advanced at the plate and works deep into counts. There is swing-and-miss concern; however, when a teenager posts a 17% walk rate, I tend to think that the holes in the swing will work themselves out with experience. Newton projects at third base or the outfield long-term. He lacks the defensive prowess, quickness, and foot speed of Gimenez or Mauricio. His bat will carry the profile and with experience and physical growth, Newton should reach plus game power. ETA: 2022
6. David Peterson, LHP
Age: 23 (9/3/95)
Level: A+
128 IP, 3.16 ERA, 2.77 FIP, 8.08 K/9, 2.11 BB/9, .242 AVG
Peterson is a floor over ceiling guy, throwing above-average stuff with poise and pitchability. He sequences all four of his pitches and pounds the strike zone. His fastball sits low 90’s and his best off-speed offering is his change-up, which he will throw early and often to right-handed hitters. Peterson’s curveball lacks true shape but is a serviceable 4th pitch while his slider shows two-plane tilt with tight spin. His lack of a swing-and-miss out pitch limits his ceiling, but his high floor should see Peterson move quickly through the system to settle into the middle of an MLB rotation. ETA: 2020
7. Anthony Kay, LHP
Age: 23 (3/21/95)
Level: A+
122.2 IP, 4.26 ERA, 3.60 FIP, 9.02 K/9, 3.60 BB/9, .262 AVG
After missing 2017 recovering from Tommy John, Kay made his pro-debut in 2018. Kay throws from a high 3/4 slot. There is some effort in the delivery and a bit of an inverted W, which adds risk to his profile as a SP long-term. He is strong but isn’t athletic and struggles to sequence and command the zone. His fastball sits 93-94 while his curveball and change-up are both below average at present. Kay will need to improve his command and consistency with both off-speed offerings in order to turn over an MLB lineup. The lefty bears significant bullpen risk, but he could develop into a nice late inning reliever whose velocity/stuff plays up a grade. ETA: 2021
8. Franklyn Kilome, RHP
Age: 23 (6/25/95)
Level: AA
140 IP, 4.18 ERA, 4.02 FIP, 8.04 K/9, 3.92 BB/9, .242 AVG
Acquired for Asdrubal Cabrera, Kilome has the fastball/curveball combo to put himself in the discussion for a rotation spot long term. Both pitches are plus at present. Unfortunately, due to Tommy John surgery in late October, Kilome is on the shelf until 2020. He is limited by a below-average to fringe change-up and command. Out of the pen, his mid-to-high 90’s fastball should see an uptick in velocity, which could make him an elite late inning reliever. ETA: 2019
9. Simeon Woods-Richardson, RHP
Age: 18 (9/27/00)
Level: Rookie
17.1 IP, 1.56 ERA, 2.22 FIP, 13.5 K/9, 2.08 BB/9, .224 AVG
Woods-Richardson is an uber athletic righty who touched 97 in his pro-debut. He usually sits low 90’s with the fastball, and his curveball is an absolute hammer that flashes 12-6 with good shape and bite. The key to his remaining a starter will be developing his change-up. Woods-Richardson throws from a high 3/4 slot and gets good downhill plane. There is a ton of projection left so it will be fun to see how he develops. ETA: 2023
10. Ali Sanchez, C
Age: 21 (1/20/97)
Level: A+
.265/.294/.387, 6 HR, .122 ISO, 93 wRC+, 4.3% BB, 11% K, 2 SB
Tomás Nido will impact the MLB club next season, but Sanchez is the better of the two catchers. He is a plus defender with a plus throwing arm: Sanchez nailed 31 of 74 base stealers last season. His defense will carry him to NY but it will be his bat that determines his role. Defensively, he can start in the big leagues right now. On the offensive side of the ball, Sanchez likes to swing the bat and made some great strides in 2018. He will never be the type of hitter who posts high OBPs but the athleticism, strength, and ability to make consistent contact should produce double-digit HR at peak. With his defensive prowess, Sanchez could become a first-division regular. ETA: 2021
11. Thomas Szapucki, LHP
Age: 22 (6/12/96)
Level: A
DNP - Missed 2018 due to Tommy John Surgery
Szapucki could be the nastiest pitcher on this list but has had trouble staying on the field since the Mets took him in the 5th round in 2015. His fastball touches 97 and his curve is a power hammer. The change-up flashes plus as well. All this is great but the most important number for Szapucki is 83 professional innings since 2015 (Ralph’s note: crying emoji). ETA: 2022
12. Desmond Lindsay, OF
Age: 21 (1/15/97)
Level: A+
.223/.317/.325, 3 HR, .102 ISO, 89 wRC+, 11.1% BB, 26.7% K, 9 SB
Once viewed as a potential everyday player and power/speed threat, Lindsay’s star is fading. You will see flashes of raw tools—like when he homered twice in an Arizona Fall League game this year—but the flashes dissipate as quickly as they emerge. Injuries have limited him to an average of 64 games over the last three years. The swing changed in 2018; the present version is linear with Lindsay keeping his hands near his head through slot then hacking at the baseball with max effort. His speed grades above average, and he played a capable center field. At this point Lindsay projects to be a 4th OF type. ETA: 2022
13. Tomás Nido, C
Age: 24 (4/12/94)
Level: MLB
.167/.200/.238, 1 HR, .071 ISO, 20 wRC+, 4.4% BB, 30% K, 0 SB - MLB
.272/.300/.431, 5 HR, .159 ISO, 98 wRC+, 3.6% BB, 15.4% K, 0 SB - AA/AAA
Nido is a good defensive catcher who should have a nice little MLB career. He profiles as more of a backup at this point, primarily due to a lack of punch with the bat. Nido likes to swing it so he will always struggle to maintain a league average OBP. The bat has some pop but in game power is limited due to his below-average hit tool. Regardless, catchers that can frame a pitch and call a game are valuable, which is why Nido slots behind Sanchez and ahead of the rest of the Mets catching prospects. ETA: 2018
14. Will Toffey, 3B
Age: 24 (12/31/94)
Level: AA
.248/.374/.406, 9 HR, .158 ISO, 120 wRC+, 16.3% BB, 23.5% K, 2 SB
Toffey came over in the Jeurys Familia trade. He has an advanced approach at the plate, showing good patience. His power is more gap power but he has shown an ability to barrel balls with authority. Toffey’s ability to draw walks should make him a valuable bench piece, although the Mets infield is awfully crowded at the moment. ETA: 2020
15. Francisco Alvarez, C
Age: 17 (11/19/01)
Level: Unassigned - Signed July 2, 2018 for $2.7 million
Alvarez received the third largest signing bonus during the 2018 J2 signings. While there is inherent risk due to age, proximity, and position, Alvarez flashes plus offensive potential. There are concerns with the body as Alvarez is listed at 5’11” and 220 pounds. As he matures, he will need to stay in shape in order to stick behind the plate. ETA: 2023
16. Adrian Hernandez, OF
Age: 17 (2/8/01)
Level: DSL
.261/.351/.386, 5 HR, .124 ISO, 116 wRC+, 6% BB, 18.2% K, 9 SB
Signed for $1.5 million during the 2017 IFA signing period, Hernandez is a plus athlete with speed and power. He is still raw and struggled at times in the DSL, so there is a long way to go. As he improves his hit tool, Hernandez should unlock some of his plus raw power. ETA: 2023
17. Junior Santos, RHP
Age: 17 (8/16/01)
Level: Rookie
50 IP, 2.52 ERA, 2.82 FIP, 7.02 K/9, 1.08 BB/9, .216 AVG
Santos is an imposing figure on the mound at 6’8” and 218 pounds. He has a good feel for commanding his fastball which sits low 90’s. His slider and change-up are still a work in progress. Santos is still years away but is quickly becoming a deep dynasty stash. With his size, command, and feel for pitching, there is a lot to like from a projection standpoint. ETA: 2023
18. Walker Lockett, RHP
Age: 24 (5/3/94)
Level: MLB
15 IP, 9.60 ERA, 5.10 xFIP, 7.20 K/9, 6.0 BB/9, .333 AVG
133.1 IP, 4.73 ERA, 4.30 xFIP, 7.97 K/9, 2.23 BB/9, .273 AVG
Acquired from the Indians in the Plawecki trade, Lockett throws three pitches with good sequencing. His low 90’s FB is a four-seamer but he will also sink it. He also throws a curveball and a change-up. Lockett lacks a true out pitch and relies more on pitchability. His ceiling is a SP5 while settling into a long man role in the big leagues. ETA: 2019
19. Tony Dibrell, RHP
Age: 23 (11/8/95)
Level: A
131 IP, 3.50 ERA, 3.78 xFIP, 10.1 K/9, 3.71 BB/9, .225
Dibrell is an athletic righty with a mid 90’s fastball. His command is below-average and he struggles to harness his stuff. The secondaries are fringe but flash average to above-average. His change-up is his best pitch, showing nice depth and fade. Dibrell’s ceiling is SP 4/5 but he likely ends up in the pen, where his fastball-changeup combo will play up. ETA: 2021
20. Carlos Cortes, OF
Age: 21 (6/30/97)
Level: Low A
.264/.338/.382, 4 HR, .118 ISO, 116 wRC+,8.4% BB, 16.8% K, 1 SB
The Mets went over slot to sign Cortes after drafting him in the 3rd round in 2018. Cortes is listed at 5’7” and 195 pounds. The build is solid with good present strength. At the plate, Cortes utilizes a high leg kick and generates easy power. His swing has natural loft that is conducive to power. ETA: 2022
21. Gavin Cecchini, 2B
Age: 25 (12/22/93)
Level: MLB
.294/.342/.468, 2 HR, .174 ISO, 111 wRC+, 5.9% BB, 12.6% K, 1 SB
Cecchini has been in the Mets system since 2012 when the Mets took him 12th overall. He made his MLB debut in 2016 and saw action in 32 games for the Mets in 2017. A foot injury cost him most of 2018 but he should rebound to compete for a backup infield spot in 2019. Cecchini offers little in power and speed, limiting his ceiling. When healthy, he can hit, consistently finding the barrel and spraying line drives all over the field. ETA: 2019
22. Jordan Humphreys, RHP
Age: 22 (6/11/96)
Level: A+
DNP - Missed 2018 due to Tommy John Surgery
When Humphreys is healthy, he throws four pitches, all for strikes. His stuff flashes above-average but he doesn’t have one true swing-and-miss pitch. However, Humphreys can generate plenty of swings-and-misses due to command and sequencing. His change-up is a potential plus pitch. ETA: 2022
23. Luis Carpio, SS/2B
Age: 21 (7/11/97)
Level: AA
.219/.290/.364, 12 HR, .145 ISO, 87 wRC+, 9.3% BB, 18.4% K, 9 SB
Carpio is a tough kid to figure out. On the one hand, I saw a player that has a strong, athletic build, is smooth around the bag, and flashed easy pull power. His swing has loft and he when he squares the ball up, the bat has some punch. In other at-bats, he took defensive swings in hitter’s counts. This leads me to believe that it comes down to pitch recognition. Carpio will ambush a FB but seems lost at the plate at times. ETA: 2022
24. Christian James, RHP
Age: 20 (5/24/98)
Level: AA
80.2 IP, 1.90 ERA, 3.75 FIP, 6.02 K/9, 2.34 BB/9, .219 AVG.
James made 13 of his 15 starts in the NY Penn League before spot starting at A+ and AA. The numbers look good but his ceiling is limited by the lack of a swing-and-miss pitch. James will likely begin 2019 at Columbia. ETA: 2021
25. Freddy Valdez, OF
Age: 17 (12/6/01)
Level: Unassigned - Signed July 2, 2018 for $1.45 million
Signed for $1.45 million on July 2, 2018, Valdez is one of the top power bats in the class. At 6’3” and 220 pounds, he is a man among boys. He is an aggressive hitter that tries to pull everything. The power is plus but the below average hit tool may limit his game power. Valdez is a good athlete that profiles as a corner OF. ETA: 2024
26. Stanley Consuegra, OF
Age: 18 (9/24/00)
Level: Rookie
.212/.302/.349, 4 HR, .137 ISO, 88 wRC+, 9.5% BB, 16.7% K, 9 SB
It’s all about projection with Consuegra. The teenager is athletic with plus raw power and arm strength. He still has a lot of growing to do and muscle to add. His struggles in 2018 were mostly attributed to a lack of present strength and experience. As Consuegra matures and learns to recognize spin, power should show up in games. ETA: 2023
27. Juan Uriarte, C
Age: 21 (9/17/97)
Level: A
Injured in his only AB of the year. Missed rest of season
2017: .305/.372/.455, 5 HR, .150 ISO, 124 wRC+, 6.6% BB, 13.7% K, 0 SB
In his first AB of the season, Uriarte fouled a ball off his leg that ended his 2018. When healthy, Uriarte flashes above-average power with a good feel for the barrel. Defensively, he is not in the same class as Sanchez, Nido, or Patrick Mazeika. What separates Uriarte from Mazeika is age and projection. Uriarte’s upside as a hitter gives him the slight edge despite Mazeika’s proximity. ETA: 2022
28. Patrick Mazeika, C
Age: 25 (10/14/93)
Level: AA
.231/.328/.363, 9 HR, .132 ISO, 96 wRC+, 11.4% BB, 10.3% K, 0 SB
Mazeika is a strong lefty with good feel for the barrel and bat control. The numbers in 2018 were not good but partly due to bad luck. Mazeika posted a .233 BABIP which is about 90 points lower than his 2017 season in High A. That BABIP carried a 46% FB rate and when we look at the graphs, his highest 30 game average estimated flyball distance was 297 feet. His line drive rate was down from 24% in 2017 to 16%, which could explain the BABIP. 2019 will see Mazeika start in AAA Syracuse where he will be hitting MLB balls. I wouldn’t be shocked if the distance on his flyballs improve a tick which leads to a higher average and a bit more power. He finished 2018 strong with a .923 OPS in the final 20 games of the season. The approach is far too advanced and Mazeika is simply too good to put up another .230 season. ETA: 2019
29. Michael Paez, Infielder
Age: 24 (12/8/94)
Level: A+
.270/.340/.404, 11 HR, .135 ISO, 114 wRC+, 8.8% BB, 16.9% K, 4 SB
Paez is a versatile infielder that can cover 3B/SS/2B. He gets the most out of his 5’8” and 175 pound frame with a high leg kick and good bat speed. The power is more gap-to-gap than over the fence with very little projection. Paez will need to hit at the upper levels of the minors to reach his ceiling as a utility infielder. ETA: 2020
30. Braxton Lee, OF
Age: 25 (8/23/95)
Level: MLB
.176/.222/.176, 0 HR, .000 ISO, 14 wRC+, 5.6% BB, 44% K, 0 SB - MLB
.233/.316/.294, 1 HR, .061 ISO, 72 wRC+, 10.6% BB, 16.5% K, 7 SB - MiLB
Acquired in the 2018 Rule V draft, Lee played at four levels in 2018 with the Marlins, seeing time in Miami. He offers minimal power and is a below-average hitter. He is a 4th outfielder at best and should fill that role in New York in 2019. ETA: 2019
Closing thoughts…I like the top 5 in this system almost as much as any system out there. Be patient, Mets fans, there is a TON of projection in this system. The lack of a true SP 2 or 3 doesn’t concern me too much because of the young talent already in the rotation.