We’ve reached the top 50! As of now, we are going to split into five prospects per article, starting with #50, Nabil Crismatt. We’re starting to get into the heavy hitters, higher frequency, and guys you might really want to start watching in the coming years.
50. RHP Nabil Crismatt
Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 195 Level: Kingsport Mets (Rookie) B/T: R/R Age: 12/25/1994 (21) Age Dif: -0.8
Statistics: 12 G, 8 GS, 2.90 ERA, 62 IP, 52 H, 12 BB, 63 K .223 BAA, 1.03 WHIP
Profile: Signed out of Colombia in 2011 for an undisclosed amount, Nabil Crismatt is a guy without a blazing fastball but the ability to get outs. A guy that touches 93 but has a good three pitch mix, with a plus changeup and above average curve he can throw in any count. He’s performed well so far, but we’ll see if he gains some velocity as he continues to climb, or is converted to reliever to use more velocity in shorter spurts. Either way, we could be seeing the Colombian in Columbia this year in the rotation.
49. OF Kevin Kaczmarski
Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 190 Level: Kingsport (Rookie) B/T: L/R Age: 12/31/1991 (24) Age Dif: +2.5
Statistics: 64 G, 284 PA, 256 AB, 91 H, 18 2B, 5 3B, 4 HR, 20 SB, 9 CS, 24 BB, 33 K , .355/.415/.512
Profile: Signed in the 9th round (2015) for $5,000 as an underslot pick that gave the Mets more creativity in later rounds, the man can hit. As a bat-to-ball line-drive hitting outfielder, Kaczmarski led Division 1 in hitting prior to the draft. He then destroyed the Appalachian League, though he was 2 and a half years older than the average competition. There’s a chance he could continue to hit, and likely will be in St. Lucie, with his advanced bat at the top of the lineup. He led the league with his .355 average, his 91 hits, and was second with 20 stolen bases. He shared the Mets Sterling Award (MVP) for Kingsport with teammate Patrick Mazeika and was an APPL All-Star.
48. LHP Blake Taylor
Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 220 Level: Brooklyn Cyclones (Short-Season A) B/T: L/L Age: 8/17/1995 (20) Age Dif: -2.0
Statistics: 5 G, 2 GS, 2.25 ERA, 12 IP, 10 H, 3 BB, 8 H, .233 BAA, 1.08 WHIP
Profile: Acquired by the Mets in 2014 for Ike Davis, Blake Taylor is a lefty with a lot of potential. A fastball that at times can reach 92-94, Taylor has had issues repeating his delivery, so the velocity has become inconsistent. Along with that is the makings of a curveball that can become above average, and average changeup, Taylor could be something interesting. However, he suffered a torn UCL and underwent Tommy John Surgery last year. The former 2nd round pick should be ready to pitch again in 2017, starting in Columbia at 22.
47. RHP Luis Mateo
Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 230 Level: Rookie, Short-Season A, and A B/T: R/R Age: 3/22/1990 (25) Age Dif: +3.6
Statistics: 17 G, 22.2 IP, 1.59 ERA, 12 H, 6 BB, 24 K .152 BAA
Profile: Signed at 20 out of the Dominican Republic, he was someone who had misrepresented his age by 2 years and had bone chips in his elbow. He was suspended for 1 year, and then signed in April 2011 for 150k. He seemed like a good get, throwing 92-96, touching 98 as a starter with a plus slider. However, in 2013 he suffered a torn UCL and underwent Tommy John Surgery. Now he’s making his comeback and early reports have his fastball in the low-90’s with still a pretty good slider. He is still regaining velocity and if he returns to what he was before, he can become an asset for the Mets in the bullpen. Look for him to return to St. Lucie.
46. RHP Logan Taylor
Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 230 Level: St. Lucie Mets (A+) B/T: R/R Age: 12/13/1991 (24) Age Dif: 0
Statistics: 24 G, 22 GS, 3.69 ERA, 136.2 IP, 127 H, 55 BB, 98 K, .246 BAA, 1.33 WHIP
Profile: Mets 11th rounder out of East Oklahoma State College in 2012, he is a pretty interesting pitcher. He throws a nice 92-94 fastball that hits 95, as well as a low 90’s 2-seamer and cutter, and an above-average 12-6 curve that generates swings and misses. He also has an average changeup to boot, but his control isn’t totally there yet. For now, Taylor will stay as a starter in Double-A Binghamton, but he might have more value as a reliever later.
Click here to see Prospects 60-51
Click here to see Prospects 70-61
Click here to see Prospects 80-71
Ted’s Prospect Extras:
5 Prospects I believe may move from 80-51 to the top 50’s next year:
- C Juan Uriarte #78
- LHP Joel Huertas #51
- 2B Vincent Siena #73
- RHP Gabriel Llanes #65
- SS Yeffry De Aza #54
Luis Mateo could climb quickly if he proves healthy. I wouldn’t be shocked if a Smoker like ascent through the system
Definitely a guy to keep an eye on, if healthy he is definitely an intriguing bullpen arm. The stuff sounds like it was there this year, hopefully get to see him pitch for Bingo.
I figure extended ST, and if he dominates A+, he is on to Bingo a few weeks later.
First time I will see Bingo this year is May 2nd, very excited to see Rosario and Smith.
You get them 7 times in that 2 week stretch. My first for Bingo will be June 27 in Altoona, unless I take the trip to Reading, which doesn’t look good as of now.
Trying to talk wife into a road trip to Tennessee in early June. Have Columbia slated for 6 games in July, with Bingo coming back to the area in August.
That would be awesome. With a baby on the way I will probably have to wait until next year to see Columbia.
Congratulations. First?
thank you and yes. Five days past due right now.
You must be anxious. All I can advise is enjoy everything. It is the most rewarding experience of a lifetime, and it goes by so quickly.
I answered your question finally
Yes thanks. I agree on the De Aza and Sienna selections. I don’t know enough of Uriarte and haven’t has the chance to see Llanes or Huertas in person yet.
I hope it was a worthwhile question, I personally enjoy getting into the weeds on this tier of prospects.
Crismatt – Sounds like a junkballer. Gonna need to see how he does as he rises through the ranks. Great numbers, though. Going into age 22 season maybe he still has room to add some velocity.
Kaczmarski – No arguing with the numbers there but let’s see what he does against more age-appropriate competition. He is pretty old already.
B Taylor – Wow didn’t realize how young he is. Figured they’d just gotten a throwaway (despite the high draft selection) for Ike, but Taylor seems at least moderately projectable, especially if he can live in the 92mph range. Lefties can take longer to develop, too. Maybe the TJ will prove to be a blessing in disguise, allowing him to focus on mechanics in his comeback. I wouldn’t sleep on Taylor. Think about Matz–didn’t even throw a professional pitch until he was 21 years old, 3 years after being drafted in 2009. Taylor becoming Matz is unlikely, but I bet this guy ends up in the Majors in some capacity.
Mateo – Feels like another of the prospects fans love. Recognizable name. Reliever material. Hopefully he’s a fast riser with the TJ out of the way. Might as well get a guy like this on the make or break track.
L Taylor – Too many walks. Sounds very average. Has the great theoretical build for a starter, though. AA will be a big year for him to prove himself.
We just received Crismatt scouting report with a better fastball, up to 93.
Kaczmarski is pretty old.
Taylor – yep.
Mateo – Yep
Taylor – I have some hopes for him, he seems interesting.
I like Kacz, he’s old for App but leading the NCAA then crushing App league, Logan Taylor profile reminds me of Goeddel, and Blake Taylor seems to have all the tools and like CJM said, the TJ surgery may actually help him in the long run
Kacz is definitely one of the more interesting guys to watch next year, he he continues to hit they should be fairly aggressive with him given his age. You are right about Logan, someone I think that could work better with ability to pitch 2 innings out of the pen.
If Crismatt is throwing over 90 consistently then my interests are piqued.
If he is throwing 91/92 with two good secondary pitches already he is definitely someone to keep an eye on. Excited to watch him pitch in full season ball hopefully.
Michael great news hearing that you are now a father. It is a joy that has no bounds God Bless to you and your wife. With Kaczmarski being 24 believe the team will be aggressive with him. What are your thoughts on him becoming a major league player. Know at this point it is impossible to tell but would like to no how you feel about him.