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New York Mets: Prospects to Watch in 2016

By Christian Kouroupakis

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Feb 28, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets player Gavin Cecchini poses for media day portraits at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets player Gavin Cecchini poses for media day portraits at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Gavin Cecchini, SS

The 22-year old shortstop was drafted in the first round (12th overall) in the 2012 MLB Draft and is making incredible strides en route to become an elite all-around baseball player.

After struggling early in professional ball, he enjoyed a breakout season at the plate in 2015. In Binghamton, he hit .317 with 26 doubles, 7 home runs, and walked 42 times (.377 OBP) in 109 games. These numbers helped him earn the Eastern Leagues Rookie of the Year, an indication that he was one of the best players in the league.

Why was he so successful in 2015? Cecchini was focused to make more contact at the plate and developed a characteristic that the Mets really loves: rarely striking out. With the help of what scouts call “incredible” hand-eye coordination, he was able to lower his strikeout rate to 11.3 thanks to a short and quick swing that has very little wasted movement.

The biggest adjustment that was made was the elimination of the high leg kick and worked on keeping his hands low, locked, and loaded in order to keep his swing short and compact. He does not generate a ton of power, but because he has a very good eye at the plate, he is able to wait for his pitch and use his short and compact swing to make the most of his pitch.

Cecchini is also considered a solid defender. Scouts say he has great instincts, quick hands, an above average throwing arm and enough range to cover the shortstop position. He has the tools to stay at the shortstop position, but some scouts say a transition to second base wouldn’t be a bad move for Cecchini.

As for what to expect in 2016? Cecchini’s likely destination is  Triple-A Las Vegas, where he should be the starting shortstop. New York does not have an immediate need at short, as they have Wilmer Flores and Ruben Tejada after Asdrubal Carbrera. With that said, expect Cecchini to spend most, if not all, of the season in Vegas. I don’t expect him to be in Queens until mid-2017 but don’t be shocked if injuries force him to the majors in 2016.

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