Andres Gimenez/Photo by Ed Delany, MMN

For a prospect as lauded as Andres Gimenez, his path to the major leagues is relatively unclear. A natural shortstop, the Mets aren’t going to move on from the incumbent at the position, fellow under-25 darling Amed Rosario, anytime soon. While Gimenez has also seen time at second base in the minor leagues, his team acquired a future Hall of Fame second baseman over the winter in Robinson Cano, who contractually has the position locked down through 2023.

As long as Gimenez keeps hitting, however, he’s going to force the issue sooner or later. The 20-year-old opened eyes on Friday by excelling at the plate and in the field, knocking two hits, including a home run, and making a pair of fine defensive plays.

Have yourself a day, @andresgimenez. 👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/gD34J5lPcz

— New York Mets (@Mets) March 8, 2019

Power might be the least expected and most welcome tool in Gimenez’s repertoire. Listed at 5 feet, 11 inches and 161 pounds, the Venezuelan native is becoming increasingly capable of putting balls in the seats with a swing that generates good loft when he uses such an approach. He’s also improved on barreling up pitches consistently, an occasional weak spot in the recent past as he’s matched up against much more developed competition.

It’s also important to note that Gimenez’s blast on Friday came off Marlins right-hander Nick Anderson, who, while 28, struck out a tremendous 13.2 batters per nine innings in Triple-A last year.

Anyone who has seen Gimenez play over the past two seasons knows just how polished he is for a player at his age. The organization, including his manager in March, has constantly given him a full vote of confidence.

Mickey Callaway on top prospect Andres Gimenez, who hit his first Grapefruit League homer today: “I like what he does in the dugout; he pays attention. I like what he does in the clubhouse; he talks to all the veteran guys and learns every day. He’s a great talent.”

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) March 8, 2019

With a crowded projected infield in Syracuse, Gimenez appears likely ticketed for an Opening Day return to Double-A Binghamton, where he hit .277/.34/.358 in 37 late-season games as a 19-year-old. While he isn’t on the fast track to Citi Field, any unforeseen shakeup to the major league roster could see him shoot up the depth chart.

For now, Gimenez is just going to keep on hitting; the spot on the diamond will follow.