; ;

MMN Rookie of the Year: Andres Gimenez

By Corne Hogeveen

September 22, 2016 No comments

(Jacob Resnick/MetsMinors.Net)

(Jacob Resnick/MetsMinors.Net)

There was some great new talent in the Mets system this season highlighted by our MMN Rookie of the Year, Andres Gimenez. Gimenez, who just turned 18 on the fourth of September, was outstanding in the Dominican Summer League in his first pro season.

The 2015 international free agent signing showed why he got a $1.2 million signing bonus in 2015 as he hit .350/.469/.523 between the DSL Mets1 & 2. Not only did the young shortstop hit for a solid average, he drove the ball often with 27 extra base hits (three home runs, four triples and 20 doubles). Gimenez started his pro career with a bang as he hit a grand slam in his first game. Over 62 games, Gimenez drove in 38 runs.

The impressive infielder was named to the DSL All-Star team and also won the Mets Sterling Award (MVP) for the DSL Mets2. He finished his rookie campaign with more walks (46) than strikeouts (22).

Our own John Sasso said this about Gimenez in our Top 50 Prospect list where he was 10th:

In regards to Gimenez, I am fully on board the bandwagon. His numbers have backed up the original scouting reports of an advanced approach, with good bat speed, and the athleticism to stick at shortstop. When looking at the numbers, the extra base hits and the walks compared to strikeouts stand out.

justin dunn 2

Honorable Mentions:

Not only did the Mets acquire some new talent in the international free agent pool, they also drafted a ton of talented players that had great seasons. The Mets had some early success out of their first and second round picks in 2016 with both Justin Dunn and Peter Alonso having good pro debuts with the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Justin Dunn, who did not pitch more then three innings per outing, showed his dominant stuff in the NY Penn league. Dunn pitched to a 1.50 ERA in 30 innings pitched. Over those 30 innings Dunn struck out 35 and allowed just one home run.

Peter Alonso had his season was cut shot thanks to a broken finger, but he performed on a high level before his injury. On my Top 15-10 midseason prospect piece I said this about Alonso:

Alonso showed why he was the most powerful hitter on one of the best college teams before the Mets drafted him. Alonso his .587 slugging % would be leading the NYPL, if he had enough at bats to qualify. Alonso shows the ability to hit for power to all fields, he showed a quick bat and made consistent hard contact in Brooklyn before his injury. Alonso raw power from the right side is a very interesting tool to keep an eye on.

Overall, the 21-year old first baseman hit .321/.382/.587. I look forward seeing Alonso playing a full season in the Mets system as he has a chance to move quickly thru the organization.

Two other names worth mentioning are Gary Cornish (2.16 ERA, 15.8 K/9) and Joseph Zanghi (1.23 ERA, 13.8 K/9) who both pitched great out of the bullpen for the Brooklyn Cyclones in their first taste of pro ball.

Previous MMN Season Awards: Player of the Year, Reliever of the Year, Breakout Player, Defensive Player

Footer