For years the New York Mets have been stockpiling prospects in the hopes of making a legitimate playoff run. 2015 saw the Mets make it all the way to the big series, but hopefully 2016 is the year the Metropolitans come home with the world title. This season, the Mets have a ton of great prospects that could be brought up at any time, but here is the list of the five best prospects that could make an impact on the big league team this season.
1. Steven Matz
Matz was part of the 2015 rotation, but he was still honing his skills. Despite his currently being on the 40 man roster, he may start his season in Triple-A, but he could certainly make an impact later in the season if so. He touts a 90-plus mph fastball and can hurl a curveball and changeup. In 2015, Matz was 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA with the big club, and the Mets are hoping that he continues his success and pans out as a future star.
2. Brandon Nimmo
The 23-year-old, 6’3’’ Nimmo is an extraordinary outfielder who was a first round draft pick in 2011. Last season, Nimmo only played 102 games in the minor leagues, batting a respectable .269 and knocking in 5 HR and 26 RBIs. Nimmo has the opportunity to get some major league at bats, assuming there are some injuries on the big league club.
3. Amed Rosario
The 20-year-old shortstop is one of the better raw talents within the farm system. Signed in 2012, Rosario was given the highest international signing bonus to date. He is expected to be an everyday player within a few years. The battle at shortstop this season could include Rosario, but it is too early to tell. Once spring training has gone into full swing, we will be able to make a better judgement on Rosario.
4. Gavin Cecchini
Here’s another shortstop that sits at the top of the Mets farm system. Cecchini has sadly had some injury setbacks during his minor league career, but he is now back on track. He knocked in 51 RBIs in just 109 games. If he were to stay healthy for a full 162 game season, he could potentially be a rare power-hitting SS. Both Cecchini and Rosario will be in the battle for the SS position when the season begins.
5. Dominic Smith
As a 17-year-old, Smith was drafted by the Mets in 2013. Fast forward to the 2016 season and Smith is the fifth-ranked prospect in the Mets farm system. The six foot, 230 pound Smith is a power-hitting first baseman. Smith is expecting to make his debut next season, but there is a possibility he could get the call this year and be in competition with Lucas Duda for the starting position. The young slugger knocked in six HR and 79 RBIs during the 2015 season in High-A baseball. The Mets will be looking to him in the future to hold down the first base position.
