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Mets Minors Prospect Pulse: Matt Oberste

By John Sasso

May 25, 2016 No comments

(Photo Credit: Helene Haessler/MILB.com)

(Photo Credit: Helene Haessler/MILB.com)

Matt Oberste 1B/3B    

Player Profile

Opening Day Age: 24

Bats/Throws: R/R

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 220 lbs

Position: 1B/DH/3B

ETA: 2017

2016 MMN Prospect Rank: #53

Background

The 2013 draft pick from the University of Oklahoma, Oberste holds the longest hitting streak at 30 games in Sooner history. His selection in the 7th round turned some heads coming on the heels of the round 1 selection of Dominic Smith. The team also had a young Jayce Boyd hitting .342 in Savannah, Ike Davis coming off 32 HR in Citi field, and a miscast Lucas Duda with 200 career games in the outfield at the time. So the move appeared to be nothing more than an organization filler and senior signing at the time.

Analysis

Matt has made the most of his opportunities playing second fiddle to Dominic Smith at each stop of his minor league career. He is currently hitting .299/.358/.453 with three HR and 20 RBI through 38 games, demonstrating consistent improvement in each season as he moves along. His right-handed stroke is the only thing that resembles a compliment to the Smith in the B-Mets lineup. 

His wide stance and big stride makes him susceptible to off speed pitches, where he opens up before connecting with the ball. He does demonstrate good bat control and bat speed with some loft though does not generate prototypical power. He flashes good leather and moves well for a first basemen (video courtesy of Press Connects of a nice DP earlier this season). He recently played his eighth game of the season at third base after playing there only twice in his career, and while the glove can play there, the arm does not profile well enough there other than emergency situations.

What The Future Holds

Oberste will continue to be relegated to taking scrap heap at bats from Smith as the designated hitter opportunities dwindle as he climbs. With no one of consequence at first in Vegas he may get a mid-season promotion, depending on what decision is made with Boyd and his shoulder. Ultimately Oberste will most likely get the opportunity to make it to the majors, and the bat can play, but he does not provide enough power or position versatility to be a short side platoon mate long-term. 

 

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