David Peterson/Photo by Ed Delany, MMN
As we begin to wrap up our New York Mets Midseason Top 50 Prospects countdown, we look at the 10 best that are leading the system into a resurgence as it gains more respect through the industry. This portion is headlined by the Mets’ first two picks from the 2017 Draft.
No. 10 Corey Oswalt, RHP
Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 250 lb Level: AAA, MLB
B/T: R/R Age: 9/3/93 (24) Dif: -4.3 (MLB)
Acquired: 2012 7th Round Pick From Madison High School (San Diego, CA)
2018 MLB Stats: 1-2, 5.13 ERA, 7 G, 6 GS, 33.1 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 2.22 BB/9, 6.1 K/9
2018 MiLB Stats: 4-4, 6.02 ERA, 11 G, 11 GS, 52.1 IP, 1.490 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9, 8.9 K/9
Previous Rank: 12
In a year that has shown the glaring hole that is the fifth starter spot, the Mets may have found the answer. Oswalt has impressed in his six starts for the Mets, even taking a no-hit bid into the fifth against the Phillies. Oswalt only has one bad start to his name in the majors, his second start where the Marlins tagged him for six runs in Miami and chased him before the third. Oswalt has shown the ability to limit base runners, as he had a streak of three starts of going five innings and allowing three or less hits.
Oswalt works effectively, generally keeping his pitch count low. Oswalt’s fastball/curveball combination keeps hitters off balance. If he continues to develop his slider as a third pitch, long-term success isn’t out of the question for the righty as a back-end starter.
No. 9 Anthony Kay, LHP
Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 218 lbs Level: A, A+
B/T: L/L Age: 3/21/1995 (23) Dif: 0.0 (A+)
Acquired: 31st Pick in 2016 MLB Draft From University of Connecticut
2018 Stats: 6-8, 4.11 ERA, 19 G, 19 GS, 103 IP, 1.41 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9, 9.3 K/9
Previous Rank: 13
Kay is in his first season back following Tommy John Surgery before he could even throw a pitch in the Mets’ system. The lefty has been working at 92-96 mph with his four-seamer this year. His breaking ball and changeup are both getting good movement, though command of both been has been inconsistent as he continues to work his way back from TJS.
No. 8 Thomas Szapucki, LHP
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 181 lbs Level: 7-Day DL
B/T: R/L Age: 6/12/1996 (22) Dif: N/A
Acquired: 5th Round Pick in 2015 from William T. Dwyer High School (West Palm Beach, FL)
2018 Stats: No Stats- Injured
Previous Ranking: 5
Thomas Szapucki set the world on fire in 2016 with a breakout campaign, and earned his way onto Baseball Prospectus’ Top 100 Prospect List entering 2017. Thomas followed up his strong 2016 with a solid 2017 that unfortunately ended in him needing Tommy John Surgery in July. Szapucki should be ready to begin camp in 2019 and join an already solid group of starters in the Mets system. Szapucki’s fastball/curveball is a devastating due for opposing hitters as evident by his 116 strikeouts in 83 innings and only 55 hits allowed in that time.
No. 7 Mark Vientos, 3B/SS
Ht: 6’4″ Wt: 185 lbs Level: Rookie
B/T: R/R Age: 12/11/1999 (18) Dif: -2.3
Acquired: Second Round in 2017 MLB Draft from American Heritage High School (Plantation, FL)
Stats: 40 G, 173 PA, 154 AB, 8 2B, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 1 SB/0 CS, .299/.377/.526
Previous Ranking: 4
Following a strong 2017, Mark Vientos has come on strong in Kingsport. The shortstop and third baseman has been red hot over the past week and a half, raising his stock even more. He has hit nine homers already this season after slugging four in his first pro season. Vientos also has a plus glove at third base, showing capability to stay there long-term. He shows low strikeout numbers for his career, as hes only struck out 70 times in 374 plate appearances. He has only eight more strikeouts than walks on the season. Vientos has been on a tear in August, possibly seeing a promotion to Brooklyn for him in the near future.
No. 6 David Peterson, LHP
Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 240 lbs. Level: A, A+
B/T: L/L Age: 9/3/1995 (22) Dif: -1.0 (A+)
Acquired: First Round Pick in 2017 From University of Oregon
Stats: 3-10, 3.86 ERA, 18 G, 18 GS, 105 IP, 1.31 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9, 7.6 K/9
Previous Ranking: 2
Peterson had a marvelous start to his first full season, making the All-Star Team in Columbia. Peterson saw success as a ground ball pitcher with low strikeout numbers. Peterson did average 8.5 strikeouts per game in Columbia, but has seen that number fall since his promotion. Peterson’s first half All-Star campaign saw him post a sub-2 ERA.
Peterson throws a fastball/slider/change-up combination while working in a curveball. His fastball is believed to be his best pitch due to his strong ability to limit hard contact and induce ground balls. David has struggled since moving to Port St. Lucie, posting an ERA over 6. Some believe this is due to a dead arm phase, but none-the-less, the results have been not as expected in St. Lucie. Justin Dunn went through a similar problem last year that ended up in him seeing time on the DL. Peterson will need to figure out the issue sooner rather than later, as time runs down on the 2018 season.
Previous Rankings
50 – 41 led by Wagner Lagrange, OF
40-31 led by Harol Gonzalez, RHP
30-21 led by Tyler Bashlor, RHP
