From the roster filler reserves to the impact prospects, the New York Mets’ farm system will be key to big league success.

With a schedule numbering 162 games, a club’s need for minor league reinforcement – a helping hand from players around whom the front office did not build the big league team – is an undeniable component to Major League success.

Look to the World Champion Chicago Cubs, whose ascendance to being the league’s most dangerous offense was abetted by rookie call-up Wilson Contreras. The American League Champions, the Cleveland Indians, would have sported an outfield in shambles if not for the promotion of rookie Tyler Naquin.

Then there were Trea Turner, David Dahl, Jose Peraza, Aledmys Diaz, Brandon Drury, Trevor Story and Tommy Joseph – all impact rookies who played in over 60 games for their respective National League teams. In the American League, bats like Ryon Healy, Hyun Soo Kim, Whit Merrifield, Tim Anderson and Nomar Mazara would all fit that criteria.

And of course, Gary Sanchez. He certainly cannot be forgotten. Neither can Corey Seager, the National League Rookie of the Year.

On the mound, the pitching waters were largely rippled by bullpen reinforcements from the minors, but outliers like Michael Fulmer (the A.L. Rookie of the Year) of Detroit shook baseball. The Mets had two of their own fill-in starters turned stretch-run contributors in Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman.

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