After the Mets promoted Steven Matz and Noah Syndergaard, the two final pieces of the Mets amazing major league  rotation, fans probably believe the organization took a hit in premium talent. However, MMN is going to reveal there are still some interesting top prospects in our top 5 right-handed pitchers.

1. Marcos Molina

Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 188  Level: GCL & St. Lucie Mets  B/T: R/R  Age: 3/8/1995  Age Dif: -2.9

Statistics: 44.1 IP, 9 games, 8 games started, 4.26 ERA, 49 hits, 11 BB 36 K

Profile: An athletic pitcher, Marcos Molina took the New York-Penn League by storm in 2014 as a teenager. However this year was a different story, being skipped to High-A, but struggling with an elbow injury and was ultimately shut down and then underwent Tommy John Surgery. At his best, Molina has a 92-94 mile per hour fastball that touches 96 that he pounds the zone with that is joined by a plus changeup and an above-average slider.

Molina’s delivery however is a worry since it relies on arm-speed and has little movement in his bottom half, which might create arm strain with overuse. We’ll see if he’ll hold together after Tommy John Surgery and reach his potential of a front-line starter.

Level: Rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery

2. Robert Gsellman    

Ht: 6’4″  Wt: 200 Level: St. Lucie & B’Mets  B/T: R/R  Age: 7/18/1993 (22) Age Dif: -3.1

Statistics: 143.1 IP, 24 games, 2.89 ERA, 126 Hits,  37BB, 86K

Profile: Drafted in 2011 in the 13th round, Gsellman was touted as a “projectable arm”, with the Mets knowing very well they could mold him in to an excellent pitcher with some good stuff. They have taught him how to use his 88-92 mile per hour fastball. Along with that, he has developed an excellent 12-6 curveball that works as a good out pitch, and a changeup that needs a little work, but in time will become an average pitch. He does not get many swings and misses, which is something he definitely needs to work on next season.

Next year: He will Repeat at AA for a few starts and then proceed to AAA

 

3. Logan Verrett

Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 190  Level: AAA & MLB B/T: R/R  Age: 6/19/1990 Age Dif: -3.4

Acquired: 2011 Draft, 3rd Round.

Statistics: 

AAA 18 G, 11 GS, 64.2 IP, 4.59 ERA, 69 H, 19 BB, 53K

MLB 18 G, 4 GS, 47.2 IP, 3.59 ERA, 34 H, 15 BB, 39 K

Profile: A pitcher who has performed at every level since entering the Mets system in 2011, he finally got his chance to get his feet wet in the majors. In December 2014, Verrett was selected by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft, but underperformed in Spring training, so they waived him to try to work out a deal to keep him. However, the Texas Rangers had other plans, nabbing him, and trying him out.

He didn’t work out in Texas either, so they designated him for assignment, which sent him back to the Mets. He went up and down from Vegas to New York and back with the Mets and played 18 games at Vegas. In New York he pitched in 14 games, including 4 starts, Verrett pitched well with a 3.03 earned run average.

A fourth starter or middle relief profile, Verrett throws in the low 90’s with good control and command. Attached are an average curve, above-average slider and an average change. Altogether, Verrett is an excellent asset for the Mets team should he continue to be effective, either as the long guy, or a rubber arm.

Level: Major League Bullpen or Las Vegas rotation

 

4. Seth Lugo   

Ht: 6’4″  Wt: 185  Level: Binghamton & Las Vegas 51’s  B/T: R/R Age: 11/17/1989 (26) Age Dif: 0

Acquired: 2011 Draft, 34th Round, Centenary College of Louisiana

Statistics: 24 GS, 136 IP, 3.84 ERA, 135 H, 35 BB, 127 K, .254 BAA

Profile: An older arm with some good stuff sounds familiar doesn’t it? Seth Lugo, the 26-year old righty should not be overlooked. As a starter, Lugo can dial it into the mid-90’s getting up to 95. He mixes in an above-average curveball and  average changeup. Last year in Double-A he did okay, with a 3.80 era in 19 starts, and a .254 batting average against. He then pitched well in 27 AAA innings with a 1.19 WHIP while striking out 30 batters.

He’ll get another crack at Las Vegas and will be consideration for the rotation in case one of the 4 horseman or Bartolo goes down.

Level: Will Stay in the Las Vegas Rotation

 

5. Gabriel Ynoa 

Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 160 Level: B’Mets B/T: R/R Age: 5/26/1993 (22) Age Dif: -2.6

Acquired: International Free Agent, 2009 out of The Dominican Republic

Statistics: 25 G, 24 GS, 152.1 IP, 3.90 ERA, 157 H, 31 BB, 82 K,  .265 BAA

Profile: A true control artist, Ynoa has a Career BB/9 of 1.3 in the Minor leagues. Coupled with that, Ynoa pounds the zone, sometimes too much, with a mid-90’s fastball that gets up to 96 at time. While he has a plus changeup, and an above-average curveball, he gives up more hits than innings, and does not strike out more than a 4.8 K/9.

While he has posted adequate statistics at Binghamton, it’s a wonder how much longer he will stay a starter, considering his inability to miss bats. We’ll possibly see a conversion this year or next.

Level: Will get some time getting to know Las Vegas

Another arm to keep an eye on is our breakout candidate Chris Flexen.

Top 5 Shortstops

Top 5 Outfielders

Ted’s Prospect Extras:

Best of 2011 Draft

1. Round First Supp, RHP Michael Fulmer ($937,000)
2. 3rd Round, RHP  Verrett ($425,000)
3. 1st Round OF Brandon Nimmo ($2,100,000)
4. 21st Round RHP John Gant ($185,000)
5. 2nd Round RHP Cory Mazzoni ($437,500)