Photo by Al Rabon
Ivan Wilson, OF
Player Profile
Opening Day Age:20
Bats/Throws: R/R
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 220 lbs
Position: CF
ETA: 2019
2016 MMN Top Prospect Rank: #59
Background
It would be hard to find a player in the Mets organization with more tools than Ivan Wilson, who was selected in the 3rd round of the 2013 MLB Draft, with the 76th overall draft pick. An athlete and a “project” from day one when he was selected, he shows plus power, plus raw speed, and a plus arm.
In 2014 his 11 HR led the Appalachian league, and also had the dubious honor of being the leader in strikeouts with 99. It was that 46.9% K-rate that had been the driver in the decision to have him repeat the short-season rookie level at Kingsport. Picking up spin on the ball is always an adjustment for “raw” players, (just not something the typical HS kid sees) and it has been very pronounced in Wilson’s development.
Analysis
Ivan is currently slashing (.242/.343/.429) in his first taste of full season ball in Low-A Columbia, and with a wRC+ of 120, the results have been encouraging. For the first time in his career he has gotten on base more than he has struck out. In cutting his k-rate down to a career low 30.5% while hitting three HR in the young season, he is beginning to reward the organization for their patience. He continues to show his outstanding speed with three SB and is demonstrating consistent improvement in CF with his routes.
What The Future Holds
Without considering any roster manipulation for minor league playoffs, Wilson will finish the 2016 season in Columbia. Getting 400 PA for the first time, while maintaining the demonstrated improved strike-zone judgement is the goal for the year. The power will show more and more with the improved contact rate, and if that improves you will see him shoot up the prospect rankings.
With all the talent and tools he possesses, he could easily be the sudden riser among the Mets farmhands. He should be a year to a level guy as he progresses and faces more challenging pitchers, and as with all prospects AA will be telling when he gets there. The upside of a 20/20 everyday guy has always been there, and we are closer to seeing it than ever before. Even if he doesn’t make it as an everyday guy, a RH CF with pop can provide value to any team.
John,
Seems like his eye is good enough to draw walks and get on base. If his eye is good enough to draw walks should it be good enough to recognize the spin on the breaking pitches? Is this something that will come in time or am I wrong?
Simple answer. No two different things.
Digressive tangent: until MiLB.TV is available at every stadium it is all second hand knowledge until I get to see them live. (July 20th)
Longer answer: It’s difficult to discern if the pitcher is struggling with command and location or is he picking it up. That said, he is showing better strikezone awareness. It is something that will only come (if at all) with AB.
Anybody have info on Andrew Church? I was expecting him to play full season ball. Also if Conlon keeps this up a couple of more starts you have to think he will be promoted soon
He should be among the guys in discussion to replace Delgado
Liked Ivan Wilson right from his draft selection. The tools made me a fan, the struggles make me a supporter. Would love to see him turn the corner. Mike Cammeron comparisons if he can make it.
Question John…do you think his athleticism is in fact what might be holding him back on a developmental level? Meaning, he has compensated for so long with that athletic ability that he hasn’t spent the necessary time on the fundies.