For the purpose of our posts, we define the word fringe as any prospects, which we considered, that were absent from MMN’s own Top 40 Prospect lists.  The purpose of the series is to identify prospects that are showing promise above what fans might expect and what their futures will hold within the Mets organization.

**************************************************

Jeff McNeil – SS

DOB – 4/8/1992

Bats/Throws – Left/Right

2013 Stats – .329/.413/.409, 9 Doubles, 2 Triples, 18 RBI, 11 SB

2013 Reveiw:

McNeil began his professional career with the Kingsport Mets in 2013.  After being drafted in the 12th round out of Long Beach State, the infielder had what most would consider a successful first stint in professional baseball.  He hit for a high average, and on-base percentage and had almost 20 RBI in 47 games.

Prospect Outlook:

McNeil could benefit from putting a little weight on.  At 6’1″ he is a skinny 160 pounds.  It is a good sign that he translated well to the professional game, hitting well over .300 and giving his team some RBIs.  He does have some wheels on him, as he stole 11 bases and was only caught stealing twice.  If he can continue to hit for average I can see him being a super utility guy that has the speed threat.

2014 Outlook:

Depending on how some of the rosters shake out in the levels above him, I think he’ll probably end up in Brooklyn.  With only a short season of pro ball in him, he could benefit from a jump of just one level.  I do however, think that if he rakes with Brooklyn, that they wouldn’t hesitate to bump him up to Savannah.  The key will be his average, and his on-base percentage.

(Photo: TimesNews.net and MiLB.com)