Chris Flexen, RHP

Player profile

Opening Day Age:  21

Bats/Throws: R/R

Height/Weight: 6’3” 215 lbs

Position: RHP

ETA: 2018

2016 MMN Top Prospect Rank: #17

Background

Flexen was selected by the Mets in the 14th round of the 2012 MLB draft out of Newark, Ca.  He began is career as a starter for Kingsport in the Appalachian League for the Mets in 2012, and was re-assigned back to Kingsport for the 2013 season before finally catching on with the full season A-ball club in 2014 with the Savannah Sand Gnats.

During the 2014 season however Flexen (like too many pitchers these days) was shut down and underwent Tommy John Surgery along with removal of bone spurs. In 2015, Chris returned from surgery and worked his way through pitching again at the rookie ball level and back up to Low-A Savannah for what became overall a successful season statistically. This current season Flexen is a starting pitcher for the High A Level St. Lucie Mets.

Analysis

The big right-hander throws a low 90s fastball but is more regarded for his breaking stuff, specifically his curve ball.  On 5/26/16 I was at Tradition Field for his start. During the outing Flexen appeared to make a serious effort mix his fastball and curve throughout the game, often confusing the opposing hitters.  There were many called strikes over swings and misses off Flexen stuff all night. Perhaps one important stat to keep an eye on with Chris is his WHIP, which currently stands at 1.26 on the year and 1.30 in his professional career.

My eye ball test showed numerous working off the counts by opposing batters, leading to the high pitch count by Flexen on the night even while only allowing one hit all game. For me the key for Flexen will be consistency around the strike zone with his curve going forward.  Physically he looks strong and solid, and showed ability to get out of jams due to walks and utilizing his defense behind him to make the plays. Not a lot of hard contact was made off Flexen during the game I attended.

What The Future Holds

The Mets organization is obviously pitching rich at the top, but has thinned out throughout the farm system in the past 12 months due to trades. Flexen will turn 22 on July 1st, which is still a good young age to remain at the High A level if the Mets chose to go that route with him during the 2016 season. And as we’ve seen with numerous pitchers the past few years, including our very own Mr. Dark Knight, I would like to see what Flexen has another year removed from TJS in 2017 and then continue projections on his future next season. I believe he has the potential as a starting pitcher in the MLB.  However let’s continue to keep an eye out on his WHIP, K/9 rate and pitch counts going forward.

Both images courtesy of Ernest Dove

Previous Prospect Pulse articles – Alberto Baldonado, Matt Oberste, and Ivan Wilson