For the purpose of our series of 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.
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Chasen Bradford – RP
DOB: 8/5/1989 (Age: 24)
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
2013 Total Stats: 50 games, 9-3, 2.76 ERA, 4 SV, 17 BB, 61 K, 69 Inn, .242 Opp Batting Avg
2013 Review
In 2013, Bradford started the season with St. Lucie and in 30 relief appearances he was 6-2, 3.71 ERA, 3 SV, 9 BB, 43 strikeouts in 43.2 Inn. He was promoted to the B-Mets and in 20 games, he was 3-1, 0.71 ERA, 1 SV, 18 strikeouts in 25.1 Inn. He helped lead the team to a Division crown and even though they did not win a playoff game, he was 0-0, 2 H, 4 strikeouts in 3.1 Inn. In the Arizona Fall League, his dominance did not cease, and in 10 games, he was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 SV, 1 BB, 10 strikeouts in 11.2 Inn and opponents only batted .146 against him. A great ending to a great season.
Prospect Outlook
Bradford had a tremendous 2013 season, and as he moved on to the next level, he got even better. And after a long season, he played fall ball and basically pitched as if he was on a mission. Signed back in 2011, he has continued to develop into a premier relief pitcher. So far he is not considered a Top Prospect, but very shortly that will change, especially if he continues to pitch so dominantly. He is a player that could be mentioned as a breakout prospect in 2014.
2014 Prediction
With the success he has experienced in 2013, there is no telling what he can do in 2014. Definitely should be pitching for Las Vegas next summer and the only thing that would keep him in Binghamton, is if the Mets choose to take it easy with him and not rush him, but at this point I am not sure he has anything else to prove in AA. I think a promotion to AAA, will not only boost his confidence in how the organization views his talents, but they will get to see if he can continue the dominance he has exhibited thus far. Next season should be an exciting one for Bradford and will bring him one step closer to making his major league debut.
Prospects On The Fringe:
Can you tell us anything about his stuff? I really haven’t seen anything that tells me how hard he throws, what his pitch repertoire is and what kind of movement he has on his pitches, so anything you can provide or point to would be helpful.
DKA, thanks for the heads up, this was posted by our own John Bernhardt back in August. Hope this helps.
http://metsminors.net/prospect-spotlight-chasen-bradford-playing-with-the-cards-hes-been-dealt/
“Bradford throws a fastball that regularly registered at 90-92 mph with off-speed pitch selections to compliment his quick stuff. A high 70’s breaking pitch was very effective for him in the games I observed.”