Photo by MetsMinors.net

Cesar Puello, OF

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 22
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Some early 2014 Mets top prospect lists did not have Cesar Puello listed in their top 10. While I guess one could make a valid argument that Puello is not a top 10 prospect in the Mets organization, I bet most of those sites excluded him because of the Biogenesis scandal which to me, is ridiculous. Although the scandal should not be overlooked, Puello was suspended because of an association with the Biogenesis clinic, not for testing positive for PED’s. While an association probably means he took them at one point, Puello has never tested positive for PED’s, including last season where he completely raked in AA Binghamton. That means, until he is proven guilty, his statistics have to be considered legitimate and be taken seriously.

In 331 AB’s before his suspension last season, Puello slashed at .326/.403/.547 with 16 HR’s, 73 RBI’s, and 24 SB’s. I don’t think there is any position player in the Mets organization maybe besides Brandon Nimmo and Amed Rosario, that have the five-tool potential that Puello has. He has plus bat speed and impressive raw power that shine a light on his potential to hit at least 20 homers a season in the bigs. At the moment, he is quite the free swinger, which could hurt his potential to hit for average but if he can refine his approach at the plate in the time before making his debut, it is plausible he could hit .280 or so as a major leaguer, albeit with an unimpressive OBP. He also has solid average speed which could translate into a good amount of stolen bases if he could reach base more often. His above average arm and fielding ability could potentially allow him to stick in center but if he adds any more bulk it would be wise to move him to right field, where he would fit quite nicely.

Outlook: All eyes are going to be on Puello this season, whether he starts the season in AA or AAA. Scouts and fans alike are very anxious to see if his 2013 was a fluke or if he is the real deal. I’m jumping on the bandwagon early as I think it is the latter. He still needs more time to develop before he makes his debut which is why I think, barring any large improvements, that a debut in 2014 would be a bit hasty. Unless Chris Young is an absolute fail and the Mets need to shake things up, they’re probably better off letting Puello play at least another full season of minor league baseball to get more seasoning. He definitely has tremendous upside, but if he continues to be so antsy at the plate, he might hit for some power but major league pitchers will completely eat him up and he’ll struggle to bat .250. If he can show the slightest bit of patience and ensure some good pitches to hit in an at-bat, he’ll package above average defense with at least above average power numbers, a decent batting average, and above average stolen base ability; a player with offensive talent that the Mets are desperate for at the moment.