In the 2010 MLB draft, the Mets chose RHP Jeff Walters in the 7th round with the 212th overall pick.
Jeff has been pitching in the Mets system for the last four seasons and in 2013, he progressed to Double-A Binghamton of the Eastern League. On November 20, 2013 he was added to the Mets 40-man roster.
Jeff began his professional career pitching for the Kingsport Mets (Rookie) of the Appalachian League, appearing in three games (2 starts) with a record of 0-2 and an ERA of 8.10 in 10 innings.
In 2011, the young right hander pitched for the Brooklyn Cyclones (A-) of the New York Penn League, where he appeared in 14 games (all starts) with a record of 4-6 and an ERA of 3.32 in 65 innings, allowing 62 hits, walking 24 and striking out 48 with a WHIP of 1.32.
He was transitioned to the bullpen in 2012, beginning the season with the Savannah Sand Gnats (A) of the South Atlantic League before being promoted to the St. Lucie Mets (A+) of the Florida State League, where he remained for the rest of the season. In 36 games, Jeff recorded a record of 4-5 with an ERA of 2.30 and 4 saves. He pitched a combined 54 2/3 innings allowing 47 hits, walking 12 and striking out 49 with a WHIP of 1.08.
In 2013, Jeff continued his climb through the season, this time as the closer for the Binghamton Mets (AA) of the Eastern League. He appeared in 53 games with a record of 4-3 and an ERA of 2.09 with a league leading 38 saves. He pitched 56 innings allowing 46 hits with 16 walks and 60 strikeouts to go with a WHIP of 1.11. With his performance in 2013, he was named co-winner of the Sterling Award (along with Noah Syndergaard) as Most Valuable Player of the Mets AA affiliate.
Through four minor league seasons, Walters has appeared in 106 games (16 starts) with a record of 12-16 and an ERA of 2.92 and 42 saves. He has pitched 185 2/3 innings, allowing 168 hits, walking 58 and striking out 166 with a WHIP of 1.22.
This kid oozes with talent, confidence and a live fastball that touches 96 to go with it. We will see Jeff Walters on a Major League mound in the not too distant future and don’t be surprised if we see him pitching in Queens as some point in 2014.
Thoughts from David C.
I really like the idea that he may be in Queens in 2014. With many doubts as to who the closer will eventually be, especially since the Mets are not certain how Bobby Parnell will pitch, it will be good to bring up Walters and let him show what he can do. I know that Vic Black will also be competing for the closer role, but doesn’t mean that Walters won’t make some kind of impact, maybe as a set-up role for now. But as Big Mets Fan stated, with a live fastball that touches 96 MPH, it will be very hard to keep this young man away from Queens for too long. Will be exciting to see what he can do when given the opportunity.