As we look forward to the regular season beginning in a week, it is that time to think about which players from the minor leagues could be making their major league debut this year. Here are some players who come to mind:
Reynolds made his debut, somewhat, on the Mets roster last postseason as a fill-in for Ruben Tejada following his injury. Reynolds did not have a plate appearance during that time, but is expected to make his debut following his place on the 2016 Opening Day roster. According to Adam Rubin, due to the strange schedule over the first week, Mets are expected carry 6 men on the bench and this will only benefit Reynolds, who is hitting .265 in spring training and has shown great defense thus far at shortstop, as well as an ability to play 3B which he played at Alabama and 2B.
IF T.J. Rivera
A former undrafted free agent signing of the Mets, infielder T.J. Rivera has hit at all levels he has played in during his Mets career. In 2015, Rivera played for AA Binghamton and AAA Las Vegas and in 110 games, he slashed a line of .325/.364/.449 with some power hitting 7 home runs. Rivera can play all over the infield and although he is currently not on 40 man roster, Rivera could make his debut as a bench player on the infield at some point in 2016.
Based on rumblings this spring and the injury to Brandon Nimmo, Taijeron is expected to be the second player (behind Roger Bernadina) called upon if an injury were to occur to the major league outfield. Taijeron enjoyed a ticket to Major league spring training this year, hitting .353 in 17 games with a homer and 10 RBI. Taijeron showed the power all expected of him when he was drafted by the Mets and in 2015 he hit a career-high 25 home runs for Las Vegas. Taijeron could provide a power bat off the bench for the Mets in 2016, but he is expected to return to Vegas in 2016 to begin the season.
A former first round pick, Nimmo struggled in 2015 playing in 104 games hitting only 5 home runs and with a line of .269/.362/.372. After receiving an invite to major league spring training and an addition to 40 man roster, Nimmo did not receive an at-bat due to an injury he suffered during the offseason. Nimmo is believed to begin the early season on the Vegas disabled list as he recovers from partially torn tendon in his foot. When he returns, due to his appearance on the Mets 40 man roster, he could be called upon at some point if De Aza struggles or due to injuries at some point in 2016.
A former 34th round pick of the Mets in 2011 out of Centenary College of Louisana, Lugo has exceeded expectations in his time in the Mets system. Lugo split time between AA and AAA for the Mets in 2015 going 8-7 with a 3.84 ERA in 24 starts. He was rewarded for his work with an addition to the 40 man roster during the offseason. Lugo will most likely return to AAA as a starter and be called upon as one of the first fill-in starters or addition to bullpen in 2016.
LHP Josh Smoker
A former 1st round pick of the Nationals in 2007, Smoker was released by the Nationals during the 2012 season, was out of baseball in 2013, and played for Rockford of the independent leagues in 2014. Following a workout with the Mets where he exhibited a fastball in the mid-90s, the Mets signed him to a minor league contract for the 2015 season. Smoker moved quickly during the 2015 season, splitting time between Savannah, St. Lucie, and Binghamton with success at St. Lucie and Binghamton. In 49 innings, Smoker limited hitters to 39 hits with 19 walks and 60 strikeouts. Smoker is expected to make his debut in 2016, but due to the abundance of arms, he may have to return to AA Binghamton before making his way to AAA Vegas and possibly the Mets bullpen after being added to 40 man roster over the offseason.
A former 23rd round pick of the Athletics, Thornton was acquired from the Pirates in a trade for Ike Davis in 2014 with a player to be named later, LHP Blake Taylor. Thornton has pitched well for the Mets during his time in Vegas and earned himself an opportunity in major league camp this spring. Thornton is still in camp with the Mets exceeding many of the expectations of fans, pitching to a 2.35 ERA in 7.2 innings pitched, 5 Ks, and 1.30 WHIP.
We should look forward to seeing some, if not, all of these players at Citi Field over the 2016 season. #LGM
Can add Ynoa, Walters, Bowman (if returned) to the list. And if you want a long odds but possible Mateo – who I expect to dominate out of the pen
…and Cheech. Still alot to look forward too down on the farm.
I would say that is an outside shot as a September callup.
Ynoa seems like probably like 4th on the spot start list, Walters I still think will get DFA’ed, and Bowman won’t be on the 40. Long odds I would go Jared King.
I like the long odds pick. I agree on Walters, surprised he hasn’t been yet, but 14 guys will pitch out of the pen in any given season which is why I leaned arms….
Long odds pick for pitchers I will go with Rainy Lara if/and when they move him to the bullpen.
Really? First 2 first round picks and potentially 2 busts or nothing to show? They have to figure out something to do with him. Wouldn’t be surprised if he fills out enough to be viable at 3B. His contactability and instincts should find their way here somehow.
I love Cecchini but I just don’t see where he fits in this year minus injuries to two of Flores, Cabrera, and Reynolds. Definitely don’t think Gavin is a bust, just think there is a better chance we see him make his debut next season.
I would imagine they would have to put him on the 40. Even then in 2017 with Herrera, Flores, Cabrera, Reynolds it seems crowded. The only way around such an unproductive logjam IMO might be a trade, unless they’re playing it close purposely in case something happens where Herrera still isn’t ready.
Has to be added to the 40 this offseason. And I agree that next year infield looks crowded too, never liked Cabrera on a two year deal. I don’t really see a scenario in which Herrera isn’t the starting 2B in 2017, I think he could have been this year and been fine.
Are you saying that we don’t have any better outfield prospects for a call up than nimmo? how in the world do you think he would be the call up? he’s done nothing!
Has Nimmo disappointed so far? Sure. But he certainly hasn’t done nothing either. He has gotten on base at a high clip and has played good defense. The Mets outfield depth in the upper minors is pretty slim right.