New York Mets 2021 Top 50 Prospects

Although the 2020 MiLB season was shattered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mets farm system has been undergoing big changes lately. The primary driver of this has been rejuvenating new owner and billionaire Steve Cohen. With Cohen as the new lead man, he largely wiped out the front office, including Brodie Van Wagenen. This coincided with the return of Sandy Alderson as Team President and the introduction of Jared Porter as General Manager. This massive shift in top management combined with a new “win-now” mantra from Cohen has resulted in a different valuation of the Mets prospects. This has been shown with the recent massive Francisco Lindor / Carlos Carrasco trade, with the Mets losing prospects Isaiah Greene (would have been #10 on this list) and Josh Wolf (#11).

Although Cohen and Alderson have publicly stated their unwillingness to part with prospects as a means of improving the major league team as opposed to pure money, we should expect further hits to the farm system, as is expected with a “win-now team.”

Adam Tulley (@AdamT_Prospects) and Christian Kainer (@CJ_Kainer) collaborated to put together this list, with the top 50 resulting in an aggregate between our own top 50 lists.

Below is the Prospects1500 tier system used to rank players. It simply gives an indication of the production expected from a player at the MLB level.

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

None

Tier 2

1. Ronny Mauricio, SS
Age: 19
Highest Level: A

This is what future superstars look like. A very athletic 6’3” shortstop with both impressive bat speed and bat control, the only thing keeping Mauricio from reaching the elite Tier 1 ranking is both youth and him yet to put his tools together in a statistical way. Regardless, Mauricio looks to have the bat and power to become a star, even if he has to move to a less desirable defensive position like 3B.

#LIDOM | ⚾️ Ronny Mauricio, 🇩🇴 prospecto no. 1 de los Mets de Nueva York, se reportó con los Tigres del Licey. #PeloterosRD pic.twitter.com/4pqmmgYstc

— ⚾️ PeloterosRD 🇩🇴 (@PeloterosRD_) December 8, 2020

2. Francisco Alvarez, C
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

In 2018, the Mets signed Alvarez for $2.7 million. At the time, he was a bat first catcher with raw power and impressed scouts in competitive games. In 2019, we saw Alvarez dominate both levels of rookie ball while showing power and showcasing improved discipline and bat to ball skills. While he is unimpressive behind the plate, there is still plenty of time for him to develop defensively. Either way, this bat will play somewhere on the diamond.

Some easy opposite power from Mets prospect Francisco Alvarez. Interested to see how well his bat translates to full season ball once he gets the chance to play pic.twitter.com/H0g4gHVIIk

— Andrew Battifarano (@AndrewAtBatt) October 23, 2020

Tier 3

3. Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF
Age: 18
Highest Level: High School

Crow-Armstrong has been a well-known prep player for years. He combines great defense in center field with a good hit tool. Crow-Armstrong will be interesting to follow as he rises up through the Mets minor league system, as his skillset with great speed, defense, and baseball IQ fit very well with what the Mets need, but will also be desired very much by rebuilding teams the Mets seem destined to deal with in future years.

4. Matthew Allan, RHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: A-

The Mets selected this athletic right hander in the third round of the 2019 first year player draft. With plus velocity, a sharp breaking ball and a developing changeup, Allan has impressed scouts every step of the way. The command is a work in progress, but the athleticism in his delivery should help him develop enough to be effective at the big league level one day. I’m excited to see how this fireballer performs in 2021.

Matthew Allan blowing high cheese past Pete Crow-Armstrong, who’s got a heck of a swing (via @MetsFarmReport) #LFGM🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ae5JDKirD1

— Tim Ryder (@TimothyRRyder) October 22, 2020

5. Brett Baty, 3B/1B
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-

With good power and a good hit tool, Baty is carried by his offensive value. Drafted by the previous regime, it will be interesting to follow what the new regime thinks of Baty. If they believe he can stick at 3B like the previous regime, his overall value will increase. Otherwise, he will likely be relegated to 1B or DH which would hurt his value. Regardless, the lost 2020 season hurts Baty more than others due to his already advanced age compared to his peers. The late John Calvagno, our friend in the prospects community, had the chance to see Baty during the summer of 2019 and wrote about him on his Notes From The Sally.

My 1st look at Brett Baty, 3B, @Kingsport_Mets https://t.co/08OOP1xU5b#Mets #LGM #MLBDraft

Photo courtesy of
Andy Martin, USA TODAY Sports. pic.twitter.com/N1ZXnA980C

— John Calvagno (@SALNotes) July 12, 2019

6. Thomas Szapucki, LHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA

He’s always had the right mix to be an effective big leaguer. The only thing that has held him back and slowed his progression is injuries, however he is healthy now (knock on wood). With a good mix of control and stuff (a sharp curveball leading the way), Szapucki has a chance to make it into the rotation as soon as 2021. As one of only four left handers on the Mets 40 man, he should at least earn a bullpen spot this coming season.

7. Mark Vientos, 3B/1B
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Similar to Baty before, Vientos is carried by his offensive potential. While Baty is a more balanced combination of power and hit, Vientos is more of a power presence. Vientos is a player I’d look to see how he has improved with the time off, as many believe he could grow into 30-40 home run potential. Regardless, he will also be an interesting follow defensively, to see if he can stick at 3B or also have to be relegated to 1B or DH.

8. J.T. Ginn, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: College

Ginn was almost a lock to be a high first rounder before Tommy John surgery derailed his sophomore season at Mississippi State. Because of his surgery, the Mets selected him in the second round above slot value. With an electric fastball, a strong slider and changeup and solid command, he has the makings of a top of the rotation starter.

9. Alexander Ramirez, OF
Age: 17 (18 on 1/13)
Highest Level: N/A

As such a young player, Ramirez has impressed scouts with his athleticism, power and speed tools, and advanced plate approach. Ramirez has a lanky stature which can easily gain more weight and strength as he matures, giving him increased power potential but also leading some to think he will eventually move off to a corner outfield position. The 2021 season would be his debut in affiliated baseball.

10. Shervyen Newton, SS
Age: 21
Highest Level: A

Switch hitting Newton has been a project for the Mets since they signed him in the 2015 international signing period. At 6’4” 180 pounds, Newton has plenty of raw power. A reduction in strikeout rate would go a long way in this projectable bat. Newton has never been a burner, so I wouldn’t mind seeing him put on a good amount of weight to maximize the power. This may force a move to 3B, where his plus arm will play just fine.

11. Junior Santos, RHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Santos is a player which possesses some of the highest upside in the Mets’ system. Santos stands out (literally) at 6’9” and impressive athleticism for a man his size. Santos will be a good test for the Mets development staff that Cohen and Porter have boasted about improving.

12. Freddy Valdez, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Valdez was signed in the 2018 international signing period as a physical specimen and has always impressed scouts with his raw power. The profile is that of a power hitting corner outfielder. Valdez has been an aggressive swinger with a pull heavy approach in his short time in pro ball. With a more balanced approach, we could see Valdez rise quickly up this ranking.

Tier 4

13. Adrian Hernandez, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

A highly touted 2017 J2 signing, Hernandez has a large collection of tools. Hernandez has yet to be able to really showcase his tools as he missed almost all of 2019 with a serious leg injury. 2021 will be a big season for him as he will be two years removed from his injury, which should be a good determination if he has fully recovered or has been zapped of some of tools such as his speed and power.

14. Robert Dominguez, RHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: 2019 international signee
Dominguez was signed as part of the Mets 2019 international draft class in which they chased upside and athleticism. As a 6’5” right hander with projection left, we have already seen triple digit velocity. He also shows the makings of an above average curveball that plays up due to high velocity. Dominguez is extremely raw, but with the development of a changeup and improved command, the Mets could end up with the top arm from a well-regarded class.

15. Franklyn Kilome, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB

Kilome was acquired from the Phillies in the Asdrubal Cabrera deal back in 2018. At 6’6” Kilome has a build that lends itself to some velocity. With plus velocity and a solid curveball, he has seen success at every level he’s played at, even earning himself a chance with the big club in the shortened 2020 season as a reliever. The future likely holds a bullpen role for Kilome, where his stuff plays up. With some polish, he should be a useful reliever for the Mets.

16. Jaylen Palmer, 3B/SS
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

Another lanky athlete, Palmer offers intriguing power potential. With enough athleticism to stay on the left side of the infield, Palmer can increase his long term outlook by improving his swing-and-miss tendencies. With big power potential and good athleticism, Palmer is similar to fellow Mets prospect Sheryven Newton.

17. Endy Rodriguez, C/OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

Rodriguez is an athletic catcher with strong bat to ball skills. The switch hitter shows the potential for power from the left side, but needs to build overall strength for it to be a legit tool. The Mets want to develop him as a catcher, but he is athletic enough to transition to a corner OF spot if the need is there.

18. Sam McWilliams, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: AAA

The first major league signing of the Steve Cohen era, McWilliams was a highly regarded minor league free agent as evidenced by him getting a major league deal having never touched a MLB roster. McWilliams is a tall 6’7” pitcher who throws in the mid 90s. He throws an additional slider – which is highly regarded for its spin rate – and changeup which is a fringe pitch. Look for McWilliams to be a shuttle arm (between AAA and MLB) for the Mets major league team in 2021 given his options. Additionally, look at the Mets usage of McWilliams, whether as a reliever or starter, as evidence as a future role for McWilliams.

19. Joshua Cornielly, RHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Cornielly is a rare high floor, teenage right handed pitcher. He won’t blow anyone away with his stuff, but he fills up the zone and knows his way through a batting order. He has the making of a safe, low end starting pitcher but if the stuff ticks up, he will be a riser.

20. Daison Acosta, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

An athletic right-hander, Acosta throws a low 90s fastball and a high spin slider. Both pitches are rated as above average offerings with his below average changeup lagging behind. These factors considered, I think Acosta would do well in a bullpen role if he is unable to sharpen his changeup.

21. Blaine McIntosh, OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

A Vanderbilt commit before being taken by the Mets, McIntosh has the recipe that player development dreams of. With upper echelon speed and plus bat speed, McIntosh has the potential to be a power speed threat for the Mets. He is raw though, and the raw power has yet to show itself in games. If we start to see McIntosh lifting the ball in 2021, grab him in your dynasty leagues before it’s too late.

22. Ali Sanchez, C
Age: 20
Highest Level: MLB

As a major league caliber defender at the most important and toughest defensive position, Sanchez will have chances to improve his bat at the MLB level. Sanchez offers solid contact skills to all fields but lacks on-base and power to be able to really be an impact bat. Nevertheless, his exceptional defense should keep him as an MLB’er. Barring more additions, Sanchez should go into the season as the 3rd catcher on the 40 man roster.

23. Jordany Ventura, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

Ventura is an athletic right hander with a quick arm. He already has a serviceable repertoire featuring an average fastball with some cut and slider that flashes plus, and a changeup that needs some work. With room to fill out his frame, it is reasonable to expect some velocity gains. To reach his ceiling, Ventura will need to develop the third pitch.

24. Ryley Gilliam, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA

Gilliam is a short, athletic right hand reliever prospect. He throws in low 90s with an additional above average curveball. Gilliam should make his MLB debut at some point this season, with the eventual potential to be a back end bullpen piece.

25. Carlos Cortes, 2B
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+

Cortes is an undersized, bat first second baseman that has simply hit at every level he’s been at. He never receives the highest scouting grades, but Cortes is a gamer. Because of the lacking defensive profile, Cortes will need to develop in the power department to get a chance at the big league level.

26. Tony Dibrell, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA

Dibrell projects as a depth starter for the Mets short on quality arms in the upper minors. Dibrell throws four roughly average pitches in his fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. With the emphasis the Mets are making on signing pitchers for AAA, it will be interesting where Dibrell will fall into place.

27. Andres Regnault, C
Age: 22
Highest Level: Rookie

Regnault has an above average offensive profile at the catcher position. His bat to ball skills and power have served him well thus far in his career. He is limited defensively due to his lack of athleticism and size, making a move to 1B or DH a possibility. He will need to develop behind the plate to get a real chance at the big league level.

Tier 5

28. Michel Otanez, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

A hard throwing righty, Otanez sits in the mid 90s and has hit 99. He combines this with a potentially average slider. This combination has proven to strike many hitters out thus far in his minor league career, potentially leading to a career as a good reliever at the MLB level.

29. Tylor Megill, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA

At 6’7” 230 pounds, Megill is a very imposing pitcher on the mound. He possesses an average velocity fastball that plays up due to his extension toward the plate and high spin rates. Megill also leans on a high spin slider and a below average changeup. The Mets will try to develop him as a starter, but the likely outcome is that the changeup is all but dropped and he is transitioned to a bullpen role where he may be able to get more out of his fastball.

30. Jake Mangum, OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: A-

A former Mississippi State star, Jake Mangum is a low-variance prospect that should stick as a depth outfielder at the MLB level. While it looks unlikely he improves his power or on base skills enough to be a real starting option for a MLB team, he should have a role carved out as a bench outfielder . pinch runner / defensive replacement.

31. Jefferson Escorcha, LHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: Rookie

Escorcha has limited walks in his early career. The Mets used him strictly out of the bullpen in 2019, where he effectively missed barrels as one of Kingsport’s primary multi-inning relievers. The profile is limited if Escorcha remains in a middle relief role, but I’d like to see him get some starts at the lower levels in 2021 before we accept that possibility.

32. Federico Polanco, SS/2B/3B
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

A small utility player who profiles best as a second baseman long-term, Polanco is carried by a plus hit tool. He will rely on this as he is without much power projection or defensive value.

33. Stanley Consuegra, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

With room to add muscle and already having the ability to barrel up baseballs, Consuegra possesses more upside than most prospects this far down the list. A converted shortstop, he has a chance to stick in centerfield due to his athleticism and arm strength. Look for the Mets to bring him along slowly.

34. Richard Brito, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: 2020 international signee

A recent signing from July, Brito is a Venezuelan righty who sits upper 90s and has reached the 100s. While little is known about Brito until he debuts in affiliated baseball, it will be interesting to see how the Mets utilize the young flamethrower.

35. Jose Butto, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

Butto possesses an above average fastball and a plus changeup. In 2019, we saw an increase in fastball velocity that led to a strong showing in full season A ball. With more refined command and control of his fastball and improvement of his below average breaking ball, Butto can rise significantly in 2021.

36. Jeremy Vasquez, 1B
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA

Vasquez’s calling card is his great plate discipline, having drawn 160 walks to only 233 strikeouts in his minor league career. However, Vasquez lacks the power to be an impact player at 1B.

37. Raul Beracierta, OF
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-

Despite his lack of success in the lower minors, Beracierta makes it on this list due to his present tools and respectable strikeout rates in the past. If the approach improves and the strikeout goes back to a respectable level, Beracierta should have a positive 2021.

38. Luis Carpio, 2B/SS
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA

Carpio has valuable defensive versatility in that he can play in the middle infield. Carpio also has a good hit tool and an advanced plate approach where he has low strikeout rates and high walk rates. With the lack of upper minors talent with options available, Carpio has a solid shot at major league playing time in the near future.

39. Cesar Loaiza, LHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: Rookie

Due to a projectable frame (6’3” 160 pounds) and success at the lower levels, it’s easy to dream on Loaiza’s ceiling as a strikeout pitcher. Keep an eye on where he is assigned in 2021, as this can give you a hint on what the Mets think about him.

40. Wilmer Reyes, 2B/SS/3B
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-

Reyes has the defensive versatility to be a potentially valuable utility player for the Mets. Reyes has a developing hit and power tool and good speed. With more development Reyes could become an interesting prospect for the Mets.

41. Franklin Parra, LHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: Rookie

Parra is a smooth lefty with room for projection and the ability to miss bats. Unfortunately he has struggled to command the strike zone early in his career. With the makings of four close to average offerings, Parra should develop as a starter.

42. Warren Saunders, 3B/1B/2B
Age: 22
Highest Level: Rookie

Saunders signed with the Mets prior to the 2019 season. During the season he showed a good plate approach albeit without much power. With a bigger frame, I expect to see more power out of Saunders as this season and into the future.

43. Joander Suarez
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

With a playable three pitch mix and room for projection, Suarez has room to grow. He’s had success at low levels and he is due for a challenge in 2021.

44. Fernando Villalobos, C
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie

An athletic catching prospect, Villalobos has yet to be able to show off his interesting upside. Baseball America has Villalobos listed as their #34 international prospect in the 2018 class, a good indication of his potential.

45. Hayden Senger, C
Age: 23
Highest Level: A

Drafted as a defensive catcher, Senger has managed to surprise with his offensive profile. Strong defense and average bat to ball skills should allow for him to make his way up the farm.

46. Desmond Lindsay, OF
Age: 23 (24 on 1/15)
Highest Level: A+

Former 2015 2nd round pick, Lindsay still possesses the intriguing tools that made him such a high pick. However, due to injuries and a myriad of other reasons, Lindsay has yet to put it together into on-field production. While there is still some hope he will be able to translate his tools into production, time is running out.

47. Junior Tilien, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2019 international signee

Offensive minded shortstop with a long, pull biased swing. Raw defensively but is athletic enough and has the arm strength for the position.

48. Bryce Hutchinson, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A

A big righty, Hutchinson throws in the low-mid 90s and throws a slider, curveball, and changeup.

49. William Lugo, SS/3B
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie

Simple, yet aggressive swinger from the right side. A high strikeout rate and low walk rate (both evidence of being over aggressive) limited Lugo’s profile in his debut. With a better approach, the Mets should look to tap into the raw power that Lugo possesses in 2021.

50. Jace Beck, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie

A $125K bonus signee in the 22nd round in 2019, Beck is another big righty (6’9”). As a recent draftee, he has yet to have a chance to showcase his potential.

51. Harol Gonzalez, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: AAA

Gonzalez saw success in AA and AAA in the 2019 minor league season. He employs a fastball, curveball, and changeup. He is not an overpowering arm by any means, but he limits walks.