In the first half of the minor league season, we saw some of the New York Mets top prospects further establish why they are so well regarded. We also saw some new prospects emerge and begin to make a name for themselves. Overall, it was a promising first half for the Mets organization, and these are some of the top performers:

SYRACUSE METS

Offense – Mark Vientos

Stats: .255/.339/.498, 9 2B, 3B, 16 HR, 46 RBI, 2 CS

If you said in April Vientos was going to have a great first half, people would have thought you were crazy. After all, he was hitting just .164. However, in typical Vientos form, he took off in the second month of the season and never looked back. Since May 3, he is hitting .289/.365/.567 with five doubles, 15 homers, and 38. All told, Vientos has a 120 wRC+.

Pitcher – Stephen Nogosek

Stats: 2-0, 1.16 ERA, 4 SV, 0.814 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, 13.1 K/9

Nogosek’s prospect status had diminished due to a lack of control, and he was designated for assignment to remove him from the 40 man roster. Well, Nogosek found that control this season with a career best 5.67 K/BB. With control, he’s absolutely dominated Triple-A, forced his way back to the 40 man roster, and he has pitched wll in the majors.

BINGHAMTON RUMBLE PONIES

Offense – Francisco Álvarez

Stats: .261/.364/.518, 17 2B, 18 HR, 50 RBI

We are running out of things to say about Álvarez. He’s already named the top prospect in the minors. He started in the Futures Game. Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer came away with his work behind the plate. All told, he’s just one of those special prospects who come along once in a generation (if you are lucky). He’s already well ahead of schedule being in Triple-A, and we should not be surprised if he is in the majors this season.

Pitching – Jose Butto

Stats: 6-5, 3.73 ERA, 1.243 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9, 10.1 K/9

Butto had a breakout season last year, and he is so far backing that up this year. He has certainly turned it on of late going 2-0 with a 1.83 ERA over his last three starts averaging 6 1/3 innings while striking out 20 and walking just two.

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

Offense – Brandon McIlwain

Stats: .273/.361/.430, 11 2B, 6 3B, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 14 SB, 5 CS

McIlwain was an undrafted two way athlete playing QB in college. He’s flashing his speed ranking third in the league in triples and stealing 14 bases.

Pitching – Nick Zwack

Stats: 5-2, 2.15 ERA, 0.955 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9, 11.0 K/9

Zwack has arguably been the breakout pitcher on the season. He’s learned how to better control his fastball/slider combination not only to rack up strikeouts but to also get batters to drive through ball into the ground. He’s been dominant and put himself on the map.

ST. LUCIE METS

Offense – Omar De Los Santos

Stats: .284/.371/.498, 18 2B, 5 3B, 12 HR, 44 RBI, 48 SB, 9 CS

De Los Santos has been a complete offensive threat this season. He can beat you with his power and speed. He easily leads the Mets system in stolen bases. He’s dominating the Florida State League leading in runs, SLG, OPS and stolen bases.

Pitching – Keyshawn Askew

Stats: 2-0, 1.67, ERA, 0.982 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, 12.7 K/9

While Askew dealt with an injury, he’s been a force for St. Lucie. He’s struck out 12.7 while limiting batters to a .178 batting average.