1. Steven Matz, LHP, 24
Matz, a local kid from Long Island, New York, overcame some serious injuries and setbacks to become one of the league’s most promising pitchers in 2015.
While he will likely be remembered for his brilliant debut at the plate it should be noted that he also logged 36 quality innings in the majors and posted a 2.27 ERA with 34/10 K/BB.
With a World Series appearance under his belt before the age of 25, Matz’s future looks quite promising. His stuff is sparkling as he owns a 93-95 MPH fastball, a plus changeup and an improving curveball. His control is a work in progress as evidenced by a 3.1 BB/9 IP rate in the minors, but he did improve in that regard as he settled in at Citi Field.
He has a compact delivery, a great pick off move, and has displayed a lot of poise over his brief Major League career. Durability is still an area of concern (as he has an extensive injury history) but barring some extended trips to the disabled list next season, he should cement the Mets’ rotation as one of the greatest young rotations in MLB history.
