37. L.J. Mazzilli, 2B
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 190 LBs
DOB: 9/6/1990 (23 years old)
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Hit: 55/55 Power: 35/45 Arm: 45/45 Field: 50/50 Speed: 45/50
A 4th round pick for the New York Mets in 2013, L.J. Mazzilli finds himself on our prospect list at No. 37. The joke has been made many times before, but it’s true: this was not a nepotism pick. Mazzilli actually brings a lot to the table and could not only be a potentially solid second baseman in the majors, but rather quickly as well. Mazzilli is coming off a campaign in Brooklyn where he slashed .278/.329/.381 over 273 at-bats with four home runs, two triples, 12 doubles, 34 RBI, and three stolen bases.
The young infielder is advanced in his approach at the plate, considering the amount of time he spent in college ball, and has a short and compact swing. He generates decent power for his body size, which leads to a solid amount of line drives. I think it hovered around 23% for him this year, which is average, so it was good to see he held his own in Brooklyn. On defense, he’ll be fine as long as he stays at second base. His arm and range are relatively average, but his bat can potentially make-up for that.
Outlook: Mazzilli’s a guy with a great baseball IQ — thanks to Lee and his own work ethic — and a mature approach at the plate. He can get through the system quickly if he finds success next year in full-season ball. He could definitely turn into a .280 hitter with double-digit home runs and steals.
ETA: 2016
Budding logjam of 2b prospects: Flores, Muno, Rivera, Herrera, Mazzilli…it may be good to have a surplus of catching prospects,SPs, stud OFers, SS’s, but not so sure about 2b guys.