Second base prospect Dilson Herrera finished the Colombian Winter league strong as he now shifts gears and prepares for the minor league spring training and a full season in the Mets organization.
Herrera, originally a Pittsburgh Pirates prospect, came to the Mets in 2013 along with relief pitcher Vic Black in the trade that sent Marlon Byrd and John Buck to Pittsburgh towards the end of August.
Herrera was sent to Savannah (A) and in seven games he batted .316/.417/.316, with six hits in 19 at bats and three stolen bases in 24 plate appearances. He was also on-hand with the Sand Gnats when they captured the SAL Championship.
Playing in his native country of Colombia, Herrera competed in the winter league with the Sincelejo Bulls and batted .283, with 20 runs, nine doubles, two triples, two home runs, 22 RBI, 27 walks, and a .433 SLUG % in 127 at bats. Herrera was also named to the leagues All Star Team for the 2013-2014 season.
This trade is starting to look like a great steal for the Mets. Yes, Herrera is another infield prospect, and it doesn’t hurt to have talented players at each position in bulk, well at least that is what the Mets are doing anyway; building up for the future. Can’t wait to watch Herrera play a full season.
(Photo Courtesy of: The Colombian Professional Baseball League)
As the Pirates are being considered the #1 minor league organization, it’s great to get one of their top 10 prospects as he would probably be in our top five next year. And if Familia was #9, where would Black be? And he was ranked #15 there!
Not sure it was a great steal seeing as Byrd helped the Pirates reach the playoffs and played very well for the Pirates.