The Mets are well-represented in MLB Pipeline’s updated rankings.
After what’s felt like years of the New York Mets not having a deep farm system, the organization finally has some solid prospects that are garnering national attention.
MLB Pipelines top 100 prospects ranking were released on Friday, and the Mets have four prospects that made the cut. They’re tied for first among NL teams in that regard.
After reading the list, Mets fans can’t help but wonder how different things would be, had the team not made some trades that involved some other top prospects.
The most notable are Jarred Kelenic, who was dealt to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz, and Simeon Woods-Richardson, who went to the Toronto Blue Jays for Marcus Stroman. Even so, the Mets farm system is in good shape.
48. Francisco Alvarez, C
The highest-ranked Mets prospect is 19-year-old catcher Francisco Alvarez. Alvarez is a righty who is expected to be MLB-ready in 2023. Over the past few years, Alvarez has emerged as one of the best catching prospects in baseball.
He was sent to the team’s alternate training site during the 2020 season and looked excellent, which is an encouraging sign. Alvarez is a strong and powerful guy, something that comes in handy for him at the plate.
His defense still needs some work but he has good arm strength and has exhibited continuous improvement, especially in terms of mobility behind the plate.
In 42 games with the Gulf Coast League and Kingsport Mets in 2019, Alvarez slashed .312/.407/.510 with 32 runs, seven home runs, 26 RBI, 21 BB, and 37 strikeouts. He’s now with the Single-A Columbia Fireflies.
67. Ronny Mauricio, SS
Next up is 19-year-old shortstop Ronny Mauricio. Mauricio is a tall, skinny player who is a switch-hitter and throws with his right hand.
Unfortunately, his build has prevented him from taking the next step at the minor-league level: he’s 6’3” but weighs just 166 lbs. and hasn’t grown into his frame just yet. This also has impeded his ability to hit for power.
Mauricio is a much better hitter on the left side of the plate and needs to work on his hitting as a righty. He’s very athletic and has a good arm, but might have to move to third base because he isn’t particularly fast and is very tall.
This might end up working out for the Mets, anyway, if Francisco Lindor is going to be at short for years to come.
In 116 games with the Fireflies in 2019, Mauricio slashed .268/.307/.357 with 62 runs, four home runs, 37 RBI, 23 BB, and 99 strikeouts. His ETA is 2022.
75. Matthew Allan, RHP
The best pitching prospect in the Mets’ farm system, and the only one to crack the top-100, is right-handed hurler Matthew Allan.
Allan was considered to be one of the biggest steals of the 2019 MLB draft.
He was regarded as a first-rounder, but ended up falling to the Mets in the third because of his hefty $4 million price tag that was a result of a commitment to play at the University of Florida.
The Mets ended up signing him for $2.5 million.
Allan stood out at the alternate site in 2020, even though he was one of the youngest guys there.
The 19-year-old is very athletic and has a good build (he’s 6’3” and weighs 225 lbs.). Allan boasts very good velocity (96+ mph) on his fastball that he commands very well.
He also has a great curveball and has even improved his changeup, which is becoming a strong pitch for him.
In six games with the GCL Mets and the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2019, Allan had a 2.61 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, allowed 10 hits, zero home runs, five walks, and struck out 14. He’s also now with the Fireflies.
Allan’s ETA is 2023, but there’s a solid chance he gets to the majors earlier than that.
94. Brett Baty, 3B
Last but not least is Brett Baty. Baty had already looked good in his first professional season but went to the alternate site in even better shape, appearing to be faster and more agile.
The 21-year-old third baseman is a left-handed hitter who throws with his right. He’s 6’3”, 210 lbs., so it’s no surprise that his greatest strength is his power.
He’s projected to be a prolific home run hitter, but strikeouts are an issue for him, at the moment. There are questions surrounding his defense but he is athletic and does have a very strong arm.
In 51 games with the GCL and Kingsport Mets and the Cyclones in 2019, Baty slashed .234/.368/.452 with 37 runs, seven home runs, 33 RBI, 35 BB, and 65 strikeouts. His ETA is 2022.
These four youngsters are all very promising and have high ceilings.
The Mets’ championship window will still be open when several, if not all, of these guys make their MLB debuts and if they’re still with the organization, they’ll be expected to contribute significantly and help win some rings.
