With the likelihood of a 2020 season still in uncertain terms that hasn’t stopped us here at Mets Minors from taking a hiatus ourselves.

Today we feature our first Roundtable of the year as we posed the question of “Which player do you think is poised to have a breakout season/take the biggest leap forward when baseball resumes?”

Michael Mayer – Brett Baty, 3B

Baty was the Mets first-round pick from the 2019 draft and I believe he’s ready to show why right away. I’m encouraged by the 20-year-old approaches each at-bat – posted a .368 OBP in his first 51 pro games – and that combined with his power potential, make him an exciting offensive player to watch. The left-handed hitter had 16 doubles, two triples, and seven home runs in 188 at-bats.

Baty is an advanced hitter with above-average bat speed, all-fields power, and a lofty swing. The right-handed thrower hit low 90s with his fastball in high school and also played basketball and football. I believe that Baty will be a rare high school pick that moves through the farm system quickly.

Jacob Resnick – Franklyn Kilome, RHP

Kilome, the return from the Phillies for Asdrubal Cabrera two summers ago, would have been a trendy breakout pick last year had he not succumbed to Tommy John surgery in October of 2018. Now healthy, the tall right-hander will resume his ascent up the minor league ladder, needing just one more level to conquer before reaching the major leagues.

Kilome has been around for quite a while, as 2020 will be his seventh full season in pro ball. He’ll be 25 if and when a season begins, so there isn’t much left for him in terms of projection, but his ability to harness his plus fastball (he has had walk issues in the past but saw his numbers improve with Binghamton before getting injured) and develop a consistent offspeed pitch will be the difference between a future in the middle of the rotation or in the bullpen. I believe he has the tools and makeup to land in the former.

Ernest Dove – Jose Butto, RHP

My pick for Mets prospect destined to have a breakout season is 22-year-old RHP Jose Butto. My reports on him last season were that he was one of the most dangerous pitchers to face in the South Atlantic League. He has the confidence and determination to succeed. His teammates raved about his pitching and ability, feeling his off-speed arsenal will play at the higher levels. Teammates feel he is the real deal and consider him a future MLB pitcher. Look for a solid year from Jose Butto upcoming.

Matt Mancuso – Robert Dominguez, RHP

There’s been a ton of offseason hype on Robert Dominguez, an 18-year-old that the Mets signed during last year’s IFA signing period. Dominguez has reportedly touched 99 mph with his fastball, making him one of the hardest-throwing 18-year-olds in the world. While his breaking ball is inconsistent at times, it has flashed plus in the past. While there’s plenty of risk in Dominguez’s profile, he has a chance to make a name for himself once baseball resumes.

Christopher Soto – Mark Vientos, 3B

For me, it’s third baseman Mark Vientos. The former 2nd round pick is still only 20 years old and will likely play in much friendlier hitting conditions compared to his time in the South Atlantic last season. Vientos already has solid raw power as he was one of only 7 teenagers in the South Atlantic League in 2019 that hit double-digit home runs. The other teenagers? Julio Rodriguez (#8 per Baseball America), former Met Jarred Kelenic (#11), Triston Casas (#70), Mason Martin, Rodolfo Castro, and Jack Herman. Not a bad group to be in.

Steve Schaeffler – Warren Saunders, INF

Signed out of the Bahamas in 2018, Warren Saunders began his professional career in 2019 with the Gulf Coast League Mets affiliate. Playing same age level competition the 21-year old batted .323 and played a number of defensive positions. Despite only hitting one home run in 127 at bats last season, his performance in the 3rd annual Don’t Blink Home Run Derby showcased his raw power potential. Having a player with raw skills and power who also shows defensive versatility is definitely worth keeping an eye on. If he is able to take the next step forward he will be a name everyone will become familiar with.

Mojo Hill – Mark Vientos, 3B

I’ve got to go with Mark Vientos. While his .711 OPS last year in Columbia didn’t blow anyone away, he’s still just 20 years old and played last season 2.5 years younger than the league average. While he has some maturity issues to work out, these should hopefully improve with age, and with his raw talent, I think he has as much of a chance as anyone in the Mets organization to take a step forward once baseball comes back.

Hopefully, all of us get bragging rights as these five players take advantage of their opportunities in the near or maybe a little less desirable distant future. If you have a player you think is poised for a breakout campaign, leave a comment below.