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New York Mets: Reaction To Keith Law’s 2016 Farm System Rankings

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 31, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in game four of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in game four of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets had a wave of starting pitchers get called up in the last few seasons, and now some top position player prospects are not far behind.

Over at ESPN, Keith Law has released his rankings for all 30 MLB team’s farm systems. The New York Mets have seen a lot of their top prospects called up to the major leagues in the last couple of seasons, which has left their farm system a little depleted.

The results have been magnificent thus far, as the Mets have arguably the best, deepest starting rotation in all of baseball with Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz. Zack Wheeler will join that group about midway through the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

With that much talent already on the major league roster, the Mets are set for years in the rotation. But, the same cannot be said for the lineup. Luckily for the Mets, that is where their next crop of youngsters will be coming from. We will get to see one in action right from the start of 2016, as Michael Conforto locked down the left field job with his performance last season after debuting July 24th, 2015.

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The Mets have some more position players that could be coming up to the big leagues in the near future, which helps buoy them in the rankings. Despite the recent call ups and moves made to improve the roster, Law has the Mets farm system ranked right in the middle of his list at No.16. Here is what he has to say about the farm system:

"Still well-stocked with position players, but most of the pitching is gone in trades for Tyler Clippard and Yoenis Cespedes, leaving them very dependent on the health of the five young stars in the big league rotation. With a little luck, the next wave of hitters will hit Citi Field just as there are openings in the right spots in the lineup, helping them continue to compete behind their phenomenal young rotation."

The pitching that law refers to is Casey Meisner, whom was traded for Clippard to the Oakland Athletics, while Luis Cessa and Michael Fulmer were traded to the Detroit Tigers for Cespedes. Fulmer is easily in the top-100 rankings for 2016 prospects, but with their starting rotation already loaded he would not have had a spot with the Mets.

Law has four Mets prospects in the top-100, headlined by Matz as he retains his prospect eligibility. He will certainly be on the major league roster, but the others Mets fans will have to wait and see. All three are position players, as first base prospect Dominic Smith is the highest rated prospect left. He also landed on the top first baseman prospect list, coming in at third on the list.

Joining those two on the top-100 list are two shortstops, Amed Rosario and Gavin Cecchini. There is a chance that this is the Mets’ double play duo by 2018, as Neil Walker hits free agency next summer and Asdrbal Cabrera’s contract is only guaranteed two years, with a third year option. By that time, they could be firing baseballs Smith’s way, as he should be ready to take over for Lucas Duda once he hits free agency as well.

Related Story: New York Mets Prospects To Watch In 2016

The Mets rotation is set up well with their group of power arms, and there are some position players not too far behind to help provide production at the plate. The future is extremely bright for the Mets in all facets of the game.

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