New York Mets Midseason Top 50 Prospects

Top Mets Prospect Andres Gimenez dashes for home in Binghamton, NY. Photo by Ben Wilson

Midway through August, the Mets sit in 4th place in the NL East. But beyond their place in the standings, the fanbase is filled with frustration and bewilderment with the current and future outlook of the organization. The lineup continues to see players in the twilight of their careers see a bulk of the playing time: José BautistaJosé ReyesJason VargasDevin Mesoraco, and Austin Jackson. The fans are clamoring for a wave of optimistic youth to see innings in Queens: Peter Alonso at the top of the wish list, to join the early-career successes of 2B Jeff McNeil. The GM search is underway, with a hot debate brewing between an “old school scouting” approach versus the “new wave analytics.” The franchise is in a state of transition; but with just a few roster moves, hope remains in Queens to return to the recent (2015) promised land of a championship run.

Notable prospects that have reached the major leagues are acknowledged here and excluded from the list below, with their approximate organizational rankings in parenthesis: McNeil (12), Tomás Nido (17), Gavin Cecchini (22), Luis Guillorme (34), Tyler Bashlor (37), Drew Smith (38), Gerson Bautista (39), Daniel Zamora (41), Bobby Wahl (50+), Phillip Evans (50+), Kevin Kaczmarski (50+), and Jacob Rhame (50+). This opened up about 10 spots to highlight even more exciting up-and-coming names. For your reading enjoyment, I also added a Bonus 30 Mets prospects, so you get over 80 Mets minor leaguers on this page! Please check out the previous Mets Top 50 list by Michael Hivry here.

2018 Affiliates

Las Vegas 51s AAA

Binghamton Rumble Ponies AA

St. Lucie Mets A+

Columbia Fireflies A

Brooklyn Cyclones Short Season A

Kingsport Mets ROK

GCL Mets ROK

DSL Mets 1

DLS Mets 2


Prospects1500 Tiers:

Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster


Tier 1
1. Andres Gimenez, SS, 19 (Preseason 1)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
107 G, .293/.361/.430, 6 HR, 43 RBI, 57 R, 115 H, 28 2B, 35/47 SB, 29 BB: 84 K

The Mets top prospect has shown the kind of ability, at only 19 years old, to move former top prospect Amed Rosario to CF given his defensive abilities. Offensively, Gimenez has the gifts to be a perennial All-Star, with a floor of very good contributor on a winning team. In other words, an all around great talent.

2. Peter Alonso, 1B, 23 (Preseason 4)
2018 Highest Level: AAA Las Vegas
118 G, .277/.394/.551, 30 HR, 107 RBI, 80 R, 117 H, 24 2B, 70 BB: 116 K
Alonso has middle of the order slugger written all over him, but one of the more important tells of his bright future is in his excellent walk and strikeout output. Winning the Las Vegas’ defensive player of the month award in July also speaks to the work he puts in towards becoming a valuable all-around player.

3. Jarred Kelenic, OF, 19 (1st Rd. ’18)
2018 Highest Level: ROK Kingsport
47 G, .261/.351/.435, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 35 R, 48 H, 8 2B, 6 3B, 12/13 SB, 24 BB: 42 K

Kelenic is off to a fast debut after being the 6th overall pick out of high school, and can be a potential franchise cornerstone 4 years from now. Kelenic has the full gamut of tools that have put him among the best first year drafted players in the minors this season.

4. Mark Vientos, 3B/SS, 18 (Preseason 3)
2018 Highest Level: ROK Kingsport
49 G, .286/.379/.503, 10 HR, 43 RBI, 27 R, 53 H, 10 2B, 27 BB: 34 K

Vientos has the kind of slugging acumen that will light up Queens for years: over the last 30 days, Vientos has an OPS that ranked him 6th overall in MiLB, right behind some hitter named Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Convinced?


Tier 2
5. Justin Dunn, RHP, 22 (Preseason 5)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
21 G/21 S, 8-7, 2.83 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 121 IP, 107 H, 43 BB: 135 K

After a tough debut season in 2017, the former Boston College hurler has had a huge breakout season, flashing the kind of impact arm that can be a rotation stalwart for years to come.

6. David Peterson, LHP, 22 (Preseason 2)
2018 Highest Level: A+ St. Lucie
20 G/20 S, 5-10, 3.49 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 116 IP, 116 H, 29 BB: 103 K

An All-Star at A Columbia in 2018, Peterson had a bumpy beginning at A+ St. Lucie only to turn around and show the dominance for which he is capable.

7. Ronny Mauricio, SS, 17 (Preseason 13)
2018 Highest Level: ROK GCL Mets-Just Promoted to Kingsport
49 G, .279/.307/.421, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 26 R, 55 H, 13 2B, 3 3B, 1/7 SB, 10 BB: 31 K

The young SS had a recent cold spell which snapped some of his numbers, but don’t be fooled: the youngster has the ability to be an absolute force in the top 3 in the lineup a few years from now.

8. Luis Santana, SS/2B, 19 (Preseason 43)
2018 Highest Level: ROK Kingsport
50 G, .347/.444/.469, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 33 R, 68 H, 12 2B, 8/11 SB, 26 BB: 22 K

Santana’s hitting ability and great approach have him flying up rankings, and there’s no reason he can’t become the next big time prospect for the Mets.

9. Franklyn Kilome, RHP, 23 (Philadelphia Phillies Midseason 7)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
23 G/23 S, 4-7, 3.99 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 126 IP, 116 H, 58 BB: 110 K

Kilome went from rival NL East Philadelphia’s next big starter, to likely bullpen arm, to trade bait, only to see his talented outlook resurrected in a big way during the month he’s been in Binghamton.

10. Anthony Kay, LHP, 23 (Preseason 11)
2018 Highest Level: A+ St. Lucie
21 G/21 S, 7-9, 4.07 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 115 IP, 113 H, 44 BB: 116 K

The fastball and curveball are plus, his A+ ERA is down below 3.5, and his good changeup and control help him project to be a rotation fixture that will move quickly through the system following his first year back from TJ surgery.

11. Simeon Woods-Richardson, RHP, 17 (2nd Rd. ’18)
2018 Highest Level: ROK GCL Mets-Just Promoted to Kingsport
5 G/2 S, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 11 IP, 9 H, 4 BB: 15 K

The Mets 2nd round pick in the 2018 Draft has delivered a shockingly wicked debut, and can build towards a starting pitcher or late inning ace mold.

12. Thomas Szapucki, LHP,  (Preseason 7)
2018 Highest Level: Has Not Played Due to Injury
If not for TJ surgery, Szapucki may have built a case for a Tier 1 placement if he were able to replicate his excellent 2017 performance.

13. Shervyen Newton, 3B/SS, 19 (Preseason 45)
2018 Highest Level: ROK Kingsport
50 G, .277/.396/.461, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 43 R, 53 H, 16 2B, 4/4 SB, 38 BB: 82 K

A 6’4″ switch-hitting shortstop with some power who has demonstrated a disciplined approach at the plate certainly has an exciting profile to build around, and should be a top 10 prospect in the system in short order.

Tier 3
14. Will Toffey, 3B, 23 (Oakland A’s Preseason 28)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
73 G, .258/.388/.404, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 29 R, 62 H, 17 2B, 50 BB: 69 K

Toffey may not have huge power for a tall corner infielder but boy can he get on base, and could grow in the mold of former Yankee Nick Johnson with impact OBP that will play on a winning team.

15. Desmond Lindsay, OF,  21 (Preseason 6)
2018 Highest Level: A+ St. Lucie
81 G, .225/.323/.333, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 29 R, 62 H, 13 2B, 4 3B, 8/13 SB, 37 BB: 87 K

The former 2nd round pick has battled injuries but has excellent athletic ability. The hit tool and limiting Ks will be the next focus to launch him back to Tier 2.

16. Adrian Hernandez, OF, 17 (Preseason 30)
2018 Highest Level: DSL Mets 1
57 G, .263/.354/.402, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 47 R, 59 H, 12 2B, 9/13 SB, 16 BB: 47 K

Considering his youth and stage of development, Hernandez has impressed with his all around skills, and could develop into a special 5 tool talent.

17. Francisco Alvarez, C, 16 (IFA ’18)
2018 Highest Level: Has Not Played
The Mets spent $2.7M this past summer on the solidly built Alvarez, an offense-first catcher with a strong throwing arm.

18. Jordan Humphreys, RHP, 22 (Preseason 21)
2018 Highest Level: Has Not Played Due to Injury
Humphreys straight up dominated in 2017 between A and A+, but is currently on the road back from TJ surgery.

19. Tony Dibrell, RHP, 22 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A Columbia
20 G/20 S, 5-5, 3.41 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 113.1 IP, 98 H, 48 BB: 131 K

Dibrell has been a revelation in A ball, and has really come on strong this year and looks to be a future rotation arm for the Mets.

20. Carlos Cortes, 2B/OF, 21 (3rd Rd. ’18)
2018 Highest Level: A- Brooklyn
34 G, .280/.342/.409, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 19 R, 37 H, 4 2B, 2 3B, 11 BB: 28 K

The ambidextrous thrower (LH in the outfield, RH in the infield) was the 3rd round pick of the Mets and instantly a NYPL All-Star, and he’s in the mold of Willie Calhoun with an offense first thump in his diminutive profile.

21. Christian James, RHP, 20 (Preseason 27)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
13 G/13 S, 3-2, 1.86 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 67.2 IP, 57 H, 18 BB: 45 K

James throws 4 pitches with the fastball in the low to mid 90s and has earned a recent promotion to AA which has started off well, his third minor league stop this season.

22. Freddy Valdez, OF, 16 (IFA ’18)
2018 Highest Level: Has Not Played
Already 6’3” and over 200 lbs, the young Dominican has a big power hitting corner outfield profile that could mature into a middle of the order threat.

23. Jaison Vilera, RHP, 21 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A- Brooklyn
10 G/10 S, 5-1, 1.30 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 55.1 IP, 32 H, 17 BB: 63 K

The young righty has dominated the NYPL with a league best ERA and 2nd in WHIP, and while the stuff is not overpowering, he has been excellent through his entire career beginning in 2016.

24. Chris Viall, RHP, 22 (Preseason 39)
2018 Highest Level: A Columbia
14 G/14 S, 3-7, 5.05 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 62.1 IP, 58 H, 39 BB: 89 K

Viall is a hard throwing and tall (6’9″) starter with some control questions, but the undeniable ability to miss bats in a big way as he has sported four 9+ K starts this season.

25. Nabil Crismatt, RHP, 23 (Preseason 19)
2018 Highest Level: AAA Las Vegas
24 G/24 S, 11-9, 4.95 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 129 IP, 137 H, 52 BB: 127 K

Armed with a plus changeup, Crismatt was a AA All-Star but has been hit hard upon his promotion to AAA, and will have to lessen contact and base runners to take the next step to stick in the rotation at the highest level.

26. Raul Beracierta, OF, 19 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: ROK Kingsport
38 G, .288/.409/.447, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 32 R, 38 H, 8 2B, 7/9 SB, 23 BB: 30 K

The Venezuelan has been one of the best hitters on the Kingsport squad, with an OBP north of .400, a 10 game hit streak in July, and nearly as many BBs as Ks.

27. Stanley Consuegra, OF, 17 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: ROK GCL Mets
60 G, .216/.300/.352, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 32 R, 49 H, 11 2B, 4 3B, 9/13 SB, 22 BB: 43 K

Consuegra was part of the same international class as Mauricio and Hernandez, and was promoted from the DSL earlier this summer and has flashed plus power, athleticism, and a good throwing arm.

28. Ali Sanchez, C, 21 (Preseason 49)
2018 Highest Level: A+ St. Lucie
85 G, .269/.299/.396, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 37 R, 85 H, 20 2B, 15 BB: 37 K

Sanchez is a tremendous defensive catcher, and has really improved his hitting after moving up to High A. He’s a sure fire MLB backup with his catching acumen, but has the chance for more as his hitting matures.

29. Jeremy Vasquez, 1B, 22 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A+ St. Lucie
117 G, .272/.361/.403, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 52 R, 114 H, 22 2B, 57 BB: 88 K

Vasquez has a mastery of the strike zone, and has proven he can get on base and hit with enough power to be a hitter who can take the next step.

30. Joe Cavallaro, RHP, 23 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
21 G/ 20 S, 10-5, 3.40 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 119 IP, 105 H, 40 BB: 124 K

An All-Star in A Columbia, Cavallaro made 7 starts in St. Lucie before being promoted again to Binghamton. His excellent K rates and playing at three levels are significant tells in how favorably the organization views him.


Tier 4
31. Pat Mazeika, C, 24 (Preseason 16)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
75 G, .211/.317/.331, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 24 R, 53 H, 9 2B, 35 BB: 33 K

An AA All-Star in 2018, Mazeika has hit with sound approach and improved his defense behind the plate, particularly nabbing would-be base stealers.

32. Luis Carpio, 2B/SS, 21 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A+ St. Lucie
109 G, .217/.289/.365, 12 HR, 39 RBI, 37 R, 82 H, 20 2B, 7/16 SB, 40 BB: 74 K

For a hitter who was graded with below average power, his 12 HR is a definite development in his game, but his hit tool will be pressured as he continues to develop as a second baseman.

33. Wagner Lagrange, OF, 22 (Preseason 36)
2018 Highest Level: A- Brooklyn
49 G, .279/.358/.335, 0 HR, 23 RBI, 24 R, 50 H, 8 2B, 7/9 SB, 17 BB: 31 K

Though he has no HR this season, Lagrange has some power, good base running skills, and a strong throwing arm who could jump up this list by this time next year.

34. Steve Villines, RHP, 23 (Preseason 47)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
42 G/ 0 S, 5-4, 3.12 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 10 SV, 57.2 IP, 41 H, 12 BB: 82 K

The sidewinder has been dominant during his professional career, and has closing experience who could be a solid 8th inning option for the big club.

35. Anthony Dirocie, OF, 21 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A- Brooklyn
45 G, .289/.396/.474, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 24 R, 44 H, 10 2B, 3 3B, 5/9 SB, 24 BB: 38 K

Dirocie has enough all around tools to project as a MLB outfielder, though the next steps in his development will dictate what exactly he could be. He checks many boxes, including lowering his K rate.

36. Cesar Loaiza, LHP, 20 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: ROK GCL Mets
13 G/6 S, 4-2, 1.60 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 45 IP, 24 H, 21 BB: 55 K

The lefty has put together a noteworthy season in the GCL where he has demonstrated good strikeout ability and has yielded very little contact in the process.

37. Gregory Guerrero, SS, 19 (Preseason 31)
2018 Highest Level: Has Not Played Due to Injury

Cousin of the game’s current #1 overall prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Gregory Guerrero has been out for the season due to injury, but flashes good hit ability and throwing arm from the left side of the diamond.

38. Scott Manea, C, 22 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A Columbia
87 G, .258/.377/.414, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 40 R, 76 H, 19 2B, 35 BB: 58 K

An All-Star at A Columbia, Manea has put together a fantastic season behind the dish for the Fireflies, primarily hitting in the middle of the order.

39. Ross Adolph, OF, 21 (12th Rd. ’18)
2018 Highest Level: A- Brooklyn
46 G, .272/.337/.485, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 32 R, 46 H, 8 3B, 9/11 SB, 14 BB: 38 K

Adolph opened some eyes with an MVP performance during the recent NYPL All-Star game, and this year’s 12th round pick has shown a great mix of power, speed, and on-base ability during his professional debut season.

40. David Thompson, 3B, 24 (Preseason 18)
2018 Highest Level: AAA Las Vegas
22 G, .244/.314/.359, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, 19 H, 6 2B, 2/4 SB, 5 BB: 22 K

Thompson had a great end of the 2017 campaign, including a solid stint in the AFL, only to have an injury at the outset of this season on a foul ball off of his leg derail last year’s progress.

41. Jhoan Urena, 3B/OF, 23 (Preseason 33)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
107 G, .242/.303/.365, 8 HR, 45 RBI, 38 R, 88 H, 17 2B, 2/5 SB, 31 BB: 96 K

The nearly 24-year-old has defensive flexibility and a solid left-handed swing which gives him a chance to contribute at the upper levels.

42. Eric Hanhold, RHP, 24 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: AAA Las Vegas
31 G/1 S, 4-3, 4.01 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 42.2 IP, 38 H, 14 BB: 50 K

Hanhold’s high 90’s heater and the fact that he can spot it helps him put away batters, and he is just an injury away from a big league debut.

43. Ryder Ryan, RHP, 23 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
37 G/0 S, 3-2, 3.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 47 IP, 39 H, 14 BB: 50 K

With nearly an identical stat line to Hanhold, Ryan is still getting his footing under him with giving up more contact after a very successful run at A+ St. Lucie.

44. Stephen Nogosek, RHP, 23 (Preseason 40)
2018 Highest Level: AA Binghamton
35 G/0 S, 1-1, 5.17 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 47 IP, 36 H, 35 BB: 53 K

The former Red Sox farmhand has faced some control issues after his promotion to AA, but can emerge as a middle relief arm who can pile up Ks.

Tier 5
45. Andres Regnault, C, 19 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: ROK GCL Mets
53 G, .333/.420/.573, 9 HR, 45 RBI, 33 R, 64 H, 17 2B, 5/8 SB, 22 BB: 33 K

A really impressive offensive performance this season for the 19 year old backstop, including good speed and patience. He has also recently been brought state-side in a promotion to the GCL Mets, a testament to the excellent year he has had.

46. Junior Santos, RHP, 17 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: ROK GCL Mets
13 G/10 S, 1-1, 2.57 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 49 IP, 39 H, 6 BB: 37 K

The Mets moved the just-turned 17 year old state-side recently, which is noteworthy in itself, until you realize he is also 6’8″ and flashing great control on the mound at such a young age.

47. Michael Paez, IF, (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A+ St. Lucie
113 G, .272/.342/.415, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 52 R, 105 H, 20 2B, 3/11 SB, 38 BB: 74 K

Paez has really turned it on during the second half of the season offensively, and is knocking on the door of Binghamton, and eventually as a useful utility infielder who can do a bit of everything at the major league level.

48. Yoel Romero, 2B/3B/OF, 20 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: ROK Kingsport
41 G, .242/.369/.307, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 27 R, 37 H, 10/16 SB, 30 BB: 27 K

Romero has had a flare for the clutch moments this year for Kingsport, sports more BBs than Ks, and helps find chances with his defensive versatility.

49. Trey Cobb, RHP, 24 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A+ St. Lucie
40 G/0 S, 3-1, 2.72 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 11 SV, 46.1 IP, 47 H, 9 BB: 50 K

Cobb features a mid-90’s fastball/slider combo which earned him the closers role in A Columbia, and has been very solid in A+ St. Lucie where he has seen his WHIP decrease after his promotion.

50. Harol Gonzalez, RHP, 23 (Preseason 35)
2018 Highest Level: AA Las Vegas
20 G/19 S, 1-13, 4.53 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 113.1 IP, 118 H, 33 BB: 81 K

Despite the win-loss record, Gonzalez has very good control and the ability to be an innings eater, the reason why his win-loss record stands as it currently does in the first place.

51. Edgardo Fermin, SS/OF, 20 (Preseason NR)
2018 Highest Level: A Columbia
100 G, .207/.259/.341, 8 HR, 37 RBI, 50 R, 82 H, 17 2B, 6 3B, 7/15 SB, 26 BB: 97 K

While the average has not been there for Fermin, he has many encouraging signs at the dish in his first taste of full season, in addition to contributing defensively all over the field.

 

Others (Alphabetical Order): 

 

 

Ben is an Assistant Editor and also covers the Red Sox and Dynasty/Fantasy baseball content for Prospects1500. He also runs the #2EarlyMiLBMock, an annual prospect-only mock draft, for the Prospects1500 website. Ben is an experienced fantasy baseball player and is a deep league dynasty specialist. He has also contributed at FantraxHQ, RotoFanatic, and retired blogs Real McCoy Minors and Notes from the Sally. Follow Ben on Twitter @TBDubbs11.




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