Baseball America released its annual list of the top 100 prospects in baseball today, and unsurprisingly, the list included a few notable future Mets. The four who made the cut were Noah Syndergaard, Travis d’Arnaud, Rafael Montero, and Dominic Smith. Here is what John Manuel, the editor of the publication, had to say about each of the youngsters:
16. Noah Syndergaard
Syndergaard’s secondary pitches flash above-average if not better. More consistent power on his curveball would complement his premium fastball and help him make a midseason jump to New York.
38. Travis d’Arnaud
Stay. On. The. Field. His first injury-free season since 2011 would help make d’Arnaud a Rookie of the Year contender.
68. Rafael Montero
Few minor leaguers throw more consistent quality strikes than the smallish Montero, and as long as he maintains his command he should get his first shot in New York in 2014.
92. Dominic Smith
Smith might make his full-season debut at low Class A Savannah, a decided pitcher’s park. He’ll have to focus on his hitting approach and avoid getting down if the results aren’t there this season.
Manuel also listed the estimated times of arrival for the prospects, putting Montero and d’Arnaud at 2014, Smith at 2017, and Syndergaard at 2015, although that is likely a typo, as the consensus is he will make his debut in June, July, or August.
The 25th edition of the list was topped by Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton, with Red Sox infielder Xander Bogaerts, a postseason hero last year, coming in at number two, retaining his rookie status. Recent Yankees signee Masahiro Tanaka was fourth.
Other notable NL East prospects to make the list included Philadelphia’s Michael Franco (17), Washington’s Lucas Giolito (21), and Miami’s Andrew Heaney (30). The Mets had more prospects than the other four teams in the division, beating out the Marlins (3), the Phillies (3) the Braves (2), and the Nationals (1).