In preparation for tomorrow’s Rule 5 Draft, Baseball America has compiled a list of some of the top prospects available. Looking over the list, there are a number of players who could be of help to the Mets, and in what is somewhat of a surprise, there is a Mets prospect who is among of the top players available:

Richie Martin, SS/2B

Organization: Athletics  Age: 23   Level: Double-A
Stats: .300/.368/.439, 29 2B, 8 3B, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 25 SB, 10 CS
BA Synopsis: “Martin’s defensive prowess and above-average speed could definitely be of use to a Major League club right away, and his bat improved enough to bring potential value as well. Any club in need of infield help should be giving Martin a long look Thursday.”

Josh Ockimey, 1B

Organization: Red Sox     Age: 23     Level: Double-A & Triple-A
Stats: .245/.356/.455, 21 2B, 2 3B, 20 HR, 71 RBI, SB, CS
BA Synopsis: “[H]is pop from the left side could be useful in a Major League platoon, and he does have potential, should he make more regular contact. A club that sees that might be willing to give him a Major League shot a little early.

Max Schrock, 2B/3B/OF

Organization: Cardinals     Age: 24     Level: Triple-A
Stats: .239/.296/.331, 22 2B, 4 HR, 42 RBI, 10 SB, 5 CS
BA Synopsis: “With Schrock also playing third base and left field this past season, he could be of use to a club looking for an immediate utilityman who might turn out to be even more than that if he brings his pre-2017 bat to the Majors.”

Dom Nunez, C

Organization: Rockies     Age: 23     Level: Double-A
Stats: .222/.320/.343, 12 2B, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 8 SB, 6 CS
BA Synopsis: Colorado’s No. 27 prospect went unprotected last year as well and was unpicked in part because of his bat — a tool that didn’t improve in 2018

Ali Sanchez, C

Organization: Mets     Age: 21     Level: Columbia & St. Lucie
Stats: .265/.294/.387, 20 2B, 3B, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 2 SB, 2 CS
BA Synopsis: “Sanchez caught 41.9 percent of attempted basestealers in 2018, and his receiving skills are considered to be plus. With front offices placing higher values on framing, New York’s 23rd-ranked prospect could be of use right away behind the plate, even if his bat isn’t quite up to snuff just yet (.294 OBP, .681 OPS in 2018).”

Riley Ferrell, RHP

Organization: Astros     Age: 25     Level: Double-A & Triple-A
Stats: 4-3, 4.53 ERA, 9 SV, 1.587 WHIP, 5.9 BB/9, 11.7 K/9
BA Synopsis: “Still between both spots, Ferrell fanned 67 batters in 51 2/3 innings (or 28.5 percent), thanks to a plus fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a plus slider. A Ferrell pick gambles that the Major League club can corral that stuff and help Ferrell find the zone with more regularity. If he can, he’s got the pitches to be a late-inning weapon quickly.”

Tyler Jay, LHP

Organization: Twins     Age: 24     Level: Double-A
Stats: 4-5, 4.22 ERA, 2 SV, 1.575 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9, 7.4 K/9
BA Synopsis: “There’s still the off chance an organization in need of left-handed bullpen help could be willing to take a cheap look at Jay. Minnesota’s No. 22 prospect can still throw in the mid-90s, and his slider can be above-average at times.”

Spencer Adams, RHP

Organization: White Sox     Age: 22     Level: Double-A & Triple-A
Stats: 7-13, 3.79 ERA, 1.384 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, 5.4 K/9
BA Synopsis: ” However with his pitchability, he could handle turning over a Major League lineup once or twice. That might make him perfect for a club looking for a long man to come out of the bullpen following what’s been called “the opener.” Adams’ lack of K’s makes him a severe dark horse Thursday, but if his name does get called, this type of role could be a big reason why.”

Junior Fernandez, RHP

Organization: Cardinals     Age: 21     Level: Single-A & Double-A
Stats: 1-0, 3.52 ERA, 1.500 WHIP, 5.3 BB/9, 7.0 K/9
BA Synopsis: “He went unprotected in part because of control issues (18 walks in 30 2/3 innings overall), general production (5.14 ERA in 16 appearances at Double-A) and arm health issues. But the stuff is too good to be ignored in a Draft with a history of favoring high-octane potential relievers.”

In an article by Michael Mayer on MMO, he had highlighted Martin and Ferrell as possible Mets targets in the Rule 5 draft. Both players would make sense as the Mets currently need help on their bench in the bullpen. To that end, we may also see the Mets interested in Jay and Adams. As for Fernandez, he may be a little too far away to help the Mets in 2019.

The Mets should also hope they don’t lose Sanchez. While he has had his offensive struggles, he has proven to be quite the defensive catcher. More than that, the Mets need to maintain as much organizational depth at that position as they can.

Overall, the Rule 5 draft may prove to be a good starting point for the Mets to bring in some depth on the Major League minimum, which would not 0nly allow the Mets to focus on other areas in free agency or trades, but also to have more money to address those needs.