Spring training has arrived and the baseball world can finally enjoy their favorite sport yet again. Of course, with spring training comes news and notes from every organization. Here’s what we’re monitoring with the New York Mets:
- It appears that Yoenis Cespedes has been on pace with his hitting, but don’t be fooled. The rest of his game is weeks behind per many scouts. According to multiple scouts, Yoenis Cespedes will not be up to speed by Opening Day despite his vow to be ready. His speed and fielding will be several weeks behind. As for his hitting, one scout said, “With the balls now, [Cespedes] can hit 100 bombs.” Remember that Cespedes hasn’t played in the prime juiced ball era. If ever healthy, Cespedes would be crazy dangerous for whoever he plays for.
- Edwin Diaz is scheduled to make his spring debut behind Noah Syndergaard’s spring debut on Wednesday against the Astros. Diaz is looking to bounce back from a forgettable season.
- Ryder Ryan, who was in major league camp just a year ago, is now on the minor league side but part of the MLB Protection Camp. He has been gaining extra strength since January in hopes of having his first complete season in a Mets uniform since he came over in the Jay Bruce trade in summer of 2017.
- Right-handed pitching prospects Jordan Humphreys and Franklyn Kilome made their spring debuts on Monday and Sunday, respectively. Both are coming back from Tommy John surgery and other related ailments. Kilome had his fastball up to 94 MPH and his breaking pitches looked good, even though he gave up a home run to Edmundo Sosa of the Cardinals. Humphreys was very sharp despite giving up an RBI double to a Andrew Stevenson of the Nationals.
- In other prospect news, southpaw David Peterson made his spring debut against the Nationals on Monday, going two scoreless innings while striking out two and allowing one hit. Right-hander Ryley Gilliam and left-hander Kevin Smith also made their spring debuts, each going one perfect inning with a strikeout.
- Jed Lowrie is far from spring games but has been taking grounders at full speed and hitting even with his knee brace on his left leg. It is unknown what his status will be.
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