; ;

Meet the Mets: Introduction to the 2022 IFA Class

By Doug M

January 16, 2022 No comments

Simon Juan

In a flurry of announcements throughout the day on Saturday, the Mets welcomed aboard 21 new international signees. With all but one hailing from Venezuela or the Dominican Republic, here is the full listing of the newest Mets.

The class is headlined by two Dominican outfielders, Simon Juan, 16, and Willy Fañas, 17. Juan received a $1.9 million signing bonus and Fañas was not far behind, receiving $1.5 million. We took a closer look at Juan’s exciting potential here.

Fañas, already a year older than many high-profile international signees, chose not to sign a potential 7-figure deal with the Angels when eligible during the 2021 signing period. Instead, he received the large bonus from the Mets, who clearly see plenty of upside in his game.

Fañas, a switch hitter, generates good rotational torque and easy bat speed, particularly from the left side. With quiet hands that stay short to the ball, it’s a good-looking swing from a strong 6’2 190 LB frame that might still hold some further projection.

Here is Fañas going yard.

Here he is taking a pitch the other way and showing off his speed, legging out a triple.

After the top two names, the Mets were still left with significant pool space underneath their MLB-mandated, hard spending cap, and chose to divide it up methodically amongst a bevy of talented youngsters.

First up, the Mets brought in a trio of Venezuelan catchers, Daniel Silva, Francisco Toledo and Orangelo Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, an already strong 6’2 switch hitter, takes a big cut that leverages plenty of loft.

Toledo and Silva, also a switch hitter, have more contact-oriented swings.

There is no information yet about who might project best to stay at the position long-term, though Toledo could end up with the more traditional catcher’s frame at 5’10 if he fills out with maturity.

Next, the Mets brought in an impressive slew of lean and projectable arms. Johan Villegas, seen below, particularly caught my attention with his balanced, athletic delivery and good extension.

Speaking of good extension, watch 17 year old Mets signee Wellington Aracena leverage his projectable 6’3 180 LB frame down the mound.

Here is another projectable 6’2 170 LB Dominican right-hander, Omar Victorino showing some feel for spin, creating good depth on a well-executed curveball that finishes in the dirt towards the end of this clip.

It’s important to keep in mind with the newest young arms in the Mets system, current velocity is of relatively small importance, as physical maturation and exposure to professional velocity training regimens will often lead to substantial gains in that area.

Finally, we can wrap up our overview of the 2022 class with some shortstops, particularly one who received a notable signing bonus.

Jesus Baez and Jeisel Vargas are smaller-framed, Dominican right-handed hitters. Here is Baez taking some healthy batting practice cuts.

The infielder who appears to have excited the Mets the most however, is 17 year old shortstop Dangelo Sarmiento, who signed for a $700,000.

Sarmiento stands in at a projectable 6’2 and 180 pounds. He boasts a well-rounded package of physical tools, including good arm and actions on defense, as well as plus speed and a set of quick hitting hands, seen below.

In many ways, one of the first classes under newly-promoted director of international scouting Steve Barningham carries a lot of the same qualities of recent Mets IFA classes. There are a couple of highly projectable 7-figure bonus outfielders with tantalizing power/speed combos (Juan and Fañas), but also a diverse group of projectable arms with good deliveries. A hitterish infielder or two also appear as a motif in this group.

Now, for these young men, the Mets organization and their fans, the fun can really begin.

Share the post "Meet the Mets: Introduction to the 2022 IFA Class"

  • Facebook
  • X

Written by Doug M

My fate to bleed the blue and orange for life was laid out before me in 1997. My first Mets prospect I remember getting pumped up about was David Wright, as he just tore through the FSL and Eastern League with ease. Since then, my interest in minor league development has only grown. I hope to grow that interest further here at Mets Minors.

Back to Top ↑