The New York Mets may have one of the more underrated farm systems in the league. They have lost many top prospects that have gone on to succeed for other teams in the last couple of seasons including Jarred Kelenic, Justin Dunn, Andres Gimenez, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. The club missed the playoffs last season despite a dominant first half. It is widely expected that the last few seasons will be put in the rearview mirror.
Currently, the Mets have three players residing on Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects list. Those young, budding stars include Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Ronny Mauricio. Additionally, if Matt Allan didn’t miss the 2021 season due to Tommy John surgery, he would likely leapfrog to the top of New York’s farm system. The Mets also have many other players that would surely appear in the top-150 conversation if such a list existed.
Mark Vientos had a monster season across two levels this past season and has put himself in the conversation to take over the hot corner shortly. J.T. Ginn has rebounded from Tommy John surgery very nicely with a sub-3.00 ERA and some impressive breaking balls; he should make a big jump in 2022. There are also players like Jose Butto, Jaylen Palmer, and Robert Dominguez who can easily leapfrog into superstar prospects. The Mets’ outlook in the majors is equally impressive. New general manager Billy Eppler has signed big-name free agents like Max Scherzer and Starling Marte to help fortify the big league roster.
Make sure to check out all of our other Top Prospect Articles.
1. Francisco Alvarez, Catcher
Hit: 60
Power: 75
Run: 40
Arm: 55
Field: 60
Overall: 65
Alvarez, 20, was the Mets’ prized signing in 2019. He garnered a $2.7 million signing bonus at the time as the second-best catcher in the 2019 signing period. The 5-foot-10, 233-pounder mashed his way through Rookie ball as a 17-year-old and earned a spot on the top prospect lists. Alvarez then caught some major league players like Jacob deGrom and David Peterson in the Mets’ alternate site in 2020 at just 18 years old. In 2021, as a 19-year-old, Alvarez showcased his enormous power with 24 home runs in just 99 games.
Alvarez’s big poise and quick hands help him on both sides of the ball. As a catcher, his quick instincts make him a good blocker. His arm is one of his strong points as well. The Venezuelan’s pitch framing is noticed by many scouts as being advanced beyond his age. He has enormous raw power with a contact-oriented approach that helps him launch the ball. He has already shown out with many long home runs even as a youngster in Low- and High-A ball. In Alvarez, the Mets have one of the best catching prospects in a while and one of the best overall prospects in the league.
2. Matt Allan, Right-Handed Pitcher
Fastball: 70
Curveball: 65
Changeup: 55
Control: 60
Overall: 65
The Mets were lucky to watch Allan fall to them in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Allan was the top high school pitcher available and extremely advanced for an 18-year-old. He commanded a $2.5 million signing bonus. In 2020, the Mets sent the big 6-foot-3, 225-pound righty to their alternate site where he played alongside many experienced veterans and top prospects, much like Alvarez. Allan earned praise from Cy Young Award winner deGrom and much of the Mets coaching staff as one of the more advanced players at the site.
Allan started 2021 at High-A but tore his UCL in his pitching elbow before throwing a pitch, effectively ending his season. He commands an elite pitch mix for a player with as little experience as him. He is strong and athletic which allows for great poise and control of his pitches and velocity. Allan can routinely hit triple-digits with his fastball and low-90s with his changeup. He also possesses a high-spin curveball that creates lots of deception coming off of his fastball or changeup, both of which run through the strike zone. Once recovered, Allan should have a short wait until the major leagues are his home.
3. Mark Vientos, Third Baseman
Hit: 60
Power: 65
Run: 50
Arm: 50
Field: 50
Overall: 55
When the Mets selected Vientos with their second-round pick in the 2017 draft, he was one of the youngest players they ever selected. At 17 years old, Vientos was the hope for a new future at third base in a presumed post-David Wright era. At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, the Mets saw much potential for his raw power despite slow progress in his first few seasons. In 2019, Vientos showed more power, prompting the Mets to give him a look at their alternate site in 2020.
Vientos’ work at the start of the pandemic paid off with a monstrous 2021 that saw him jump to Triple-A at the end of the season. He finished the year with 25 home runs and 18 doubles in just 83 games between Double- and Triple-A. Vientos’ defense was a reason for concern earlier in his career, but he has shown many strides and improved tremendously. With the current power and hit tool that has developed, Vientos may be in the running for the opening day job in Queens this season.
4. Brett Baty, Third Baseman
Hit: 60
Power: 65
Run: 50
Arm: 50
Field: 55
Overall: 55
As one of the older players from the 2019 high school draft pool, the Mets felt confident selecting the powerful Baty with their first-round pick. Baty missed out on playing much until last year despite being exposed to the alternate site. In 2021, Baty showed just why he was worth the Mets’ top pick. Across two levels, Baty demonstrated an advanced hitting approach, hitting .292 with 22 doubles and 12 home runs. His power turned into a great line-to-line approach and advanced ability given his experience. Now 22 years old, 6-foot-3, and 210 pounds, Baty has put himself in a greater position to fight Vientos for the starting job in Queens.
Baty has played decent defense, but his arm was a bit of a concern. In the Arizona Fall League, Baty was one of the best players, taking home many titles. The Mets used this season and the Fall League to try him out at first base and the outfield. Baty showed that he can handle more than just third base with ease, giving the Mets an easier decision to make. Baty certainly has the goods to be a major league hitter. Now, it’s just a question about at which position he fits best.
5. Ronny Mauricio, Shortstop
Hit: 60
Power: 55
Run: 60
Arm: 55
Field: 55
Overall: 55
It is very hard to rank Mauricio due to how young and raw he is. He has the goods to be the top prospect in the system. As the prized addition in the 2017 signing period, Mauricio took home a cool $2.1 million signing bonus. He debuted at age 18 and progressed nicely. The long and lanky 6-foot-3, 166-pounder had some struggles with commanding the strike zone and on defense at the start. Then, after the 2019 season, Mauricio added lots of weight to fill out his frame.
At the alternate site in 2020, Mauricio impressed many scouts, coaches, and players with his new and meticulous self. The switch-hitter has developed a truly advanced approach and showed out in the 2021 season with 15 doubles, five triples, and 20 home runs across two levels. Mauricio hit .323 when finishing the season with Double-A Binghamton to close out a monstrous second half. Mauricio’s defense also flourished this past season as he showed much more composure at shortstop. He certainly has talent. Now, it is just a question of whether he can stay at shortstop with Francisco Lindor in town.
What Does the Future Hold?
The Mets have beefed up their analytics and player development, which is great news for the minor leaguers. Their willingness to invest in young talent is a reason for excitement. Steve Cohen has looked good on keeping his word about making the Mets the east-coast Dodgers. Beyond the top-five names, just missing this list were righties Dominguez and Ginn, as well as outfielders Alexander Ramirez and Nick Plummer.
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