Photo by Ed Delany
In Jim Bowden’s recent article for The Athletic, the former General Manager identified 15 different prospects which were getting noticed and could quickly rise through their respective farm systems. In that list, Bowden identified two left-handed starting pitchers from the Mets organization in David Peterson and Anthony Kay.
With respect to both pitchers, early indications are they have a fairly high floor and an even higher ceiling. On both of them, Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson said, “David Peterson (Round 1, 2017) and Anthony Kay (Supplemental pick in 2016) that have overcome Tommy John Surgery. They both have gotten off to good starts at Columbia in the South Atlantic League. Both have at least mid-rotation potential and could move quickly.”
With respect to Peterson, MMN‘s No. 2 ranked prospect, he was the 20th overall draft pick in last year’s draft. After getting his feet wet in Brooklyn last year, he entered this season ready to be a professional starting pitcher. Early returns during Spring Training were positive with Michael Conforto, who faced him during an intrasquad game, coming away impressed with the pitcher.
In his first start of the season, he showed why people have come away impressed with him. As detailed in an earlier MMN article, Peterson held a lineup with well-regarded Red Sox prospects to just one run on four hits over six innings.
As impressive as Peterson’s debut was, Kay’s debut might be even more impressive.
MMN‘s No. 13th prospect was a 2016 supplemental first round pick (31st overall) from the Washington Nationals signing Daniel Murphy. Kay would not make his professional debut until this year because he needed Tommy John surgery not long after being drafted.
Kay is making up for that lost time. So far in his three starts for Columbia, he is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA, 0.750 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9, and a 7.9 K/9.
Overall, both Peterson and Kay have impressed so far, and they are catching the attention of both the Mets and talent evaluators everywhere. Given their starts and their talent, it is very possible both will be fast risers through the Mets farm system.
