Photo by @ZacharyLucy
Keith Law of ESPN released his top prospects and organizational overviews for all 30 major league teams on Tuesday, after ranking the best farm systems and the top 100 minor leaguers last week. ESPN Insiders can read the full Mets overview here.
Law ranked the Mets best 18 prospects as such:
- Dominic Smith 1B
- Steven Matz LHP
- Amed Rosario SS
- Gavin Cecchini SS
- Wuilmer Becerra OF
- Brandon Nimmo OF
- Desmond Lindsay OF
- Robert Gsellman RHP
- Jhoan Urena 3B
- Luis Carpio SS
- Ali Sanchez C
- Matt Reynolds SS
- Milton Ramos SS
- Eudor Garcia 3B
- Seth Lugo RHP
- Luis Guillorme SS
- Max Wotell LHP
- David Thompson 3B
Honorable mention: Marcos Molina RHP
One of the first things to note on the list is Smith being ranked above Matz. Law has been historically low on the southpaw, and questions his ability to stay healthy, hence the placement at number two. Becerra jumps into the top five, which is exciting to see, considering other lists such as MLB.com projects him as the 12th best Mets prospect. MLB.com also has Nimmo at two, but he drops off here, to number six. Law notes that Urena had a failure of a 2015 season, between hitting .214/.257/.267 at St. Lucie and breaking more than one bone in his hand, but likes his upside as a player who could provide solid contact from the hot corner.
What probably stands out the most is the abundance of shortstops cracking the list, with six in total. Law states that Carpio, who played 15 games before turning 18 at Kingsport last season, plays well above his age, with a strong bat and glove. He also touts the fielding abilities of Ramos and Guillorme, as well. It will definitely be interesting to see what ends up shaking out with so many promising players at a crucial position.
Law has always been high on Smith and low on Matz which explains the rankings. I am surprised he is so concerned about Smith’s weight when he looks to be in shape based on recent photos.
I am intrigued by Luis Carpio. He had a .731 OPS as a 17!!! year old in Kingsport. That’s impressive!
think the concern comes from previous reports plus how he looked in AFL( at end of long yr), its great that he is seemingly in shape in spring but how many guys are in best shape of their life in spring training (sandoval was every yr) during the yr is the test, on the road, long bus trips, less time to just work out, less time to eat healthy…..
Klaw def loves SS who can def field position in bigs and hit even a little bit…..
I think he will be fine. It’s not like his weight is affecting his hitting.
I know people say that and Mayer tweeted something similar but i think the concern is more that if he is out of shape as 19/20 yr old what will he be as 25+ yr old and down the line,
It is definitely something to keep an eye on but I think Law and some others are worried about what happens if it gets worse. He is certainly a guy that can be successful at the MLB level with a bad body. Can’t wait to see him in person soon to get a first hand up and close look.
I have never understood his issue with Matz either. In same sentence he says could be league average and says he throws 95. League average lefties don’t throw that hard with a good breaking ball. Have to give him props for never jumping off the Smith train while other gurus did.
He seems to think Matz is an injury risk which is why he ranks him so low. In the same report Law contradicts himself when he calls Matz average and a #2 starter. I am a little concerned about Matz’s health after the lat injury last year but other than that he has been healthy since the TJ surgery.
Btw Michael, congrats on the baby boy!
Thank you I appreciate that! Exactly, since his TJS he has been mostly healthy.