MMN Top 40 Prospects: No. 7 Cesar Puello

7. Cesar Puello, OF

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 195 pounds

DOB: 4/1/1991 (Age 22)

Bat/Throws: Right/Right

Hit: 35/50 Power: 50/60 Run 55/55 Arm 60/60 Field 50/55

After several disappointing seasons, Cesar Puello finally broke out in 2013. He batted .328 with 16 home runs, and he finished 3rd in the Eastern League in OPS. Despite these impressive statistics, he still has many doubters. Some are still concerned with his plate discipline, and his steroid/PED suspension has caused analysts to drop him down in their rankings. Even though these two factors are concerning, Puello is still one of the best prospects in the system.

Puello has good bat speed, and he has plenty of raw power. He is also a solid base runner and has averaged over 20 steals over the past four years. With this excellent skill set, it’s possible that Puello can exceed 20 home runs and 20 steals in the major leagues. Another strength for Puello is his outfield defense. While he doesn’t have the range to play centerfield, he projects as a solid right fielder. His strongest attribute defensively is his throwing arm, which easily rates as plus.

His biggest weakness at the plate is over aggressiveness, and the ability to hit breaking pitches. While this has always been a concern for Puello, he has made a lot of progress in this area. He posted an outstanding .403 OBP in 2013, and he also posted the highest walk rate in his professional career.

Outlook: Cesar Puello is one of the most difficult players in the Mets system to rank. The upside is clearly there, but he also carries significant risk. Puello will get a chance to prove that his excellent 2013 campaign was not a fluke with the Las Vegas 51’s this season. If he can excel in thin air of Las Vegas, Puello may receive a chance to start for the Mets sometime in 2014.