New York Mets player pool surprises – 7 who made it, 7 who didn’t
By Ed Stein
Prospects
Included
Andres Jimenez, SS – The slick-fielding shortstop is the New York Mets third-ranked prospect this year, according to MLB Pipeline. At 21-years-old, Jimenez already has a major league quality glove. The question is his bat. He’ll get the chance to face higher caliber pitching this summer.
David Peterson, SP – Whether its due to team failure or a plethora of injuries so much would have to go wrong for David Peterson to start a game for the Mets in 2020. New York’s first-round pick of 2017 is a tall (6-5) lefty who has excellent control and an assortment of pitches to chose from. What he doesn’t have is a hard fastball. On a good day, Peterson can hit 93 on the gun.
Not included
Ronny Mauricio, SS – It’s understandable that last tear’s top draft pick Brett Baty isn’t in the player pool, he has limited experience as a pro with no shot at playing for the Mets this year. Mauricio, on the other hand, is the top-rated prospect in the organization.
Because there is no minor league season, it’s fair to assume the team would want to keep a close eye on him this summer. Additionally, the organization could use the additional three months to get him some advanced coaching.
Tim Tebow OF – Unfortunately, the quarterback/broadcaster/outfielder was not included as part of the New York Mets initial player pool. The team is expected to sign more players with MLB experience for their reserve squad. If they don’t fill it, Tebow may still get a shot this year at his dream to play in the Majors.
Thomas Szapucki SP – This one was a surprise. Thomas Szapucki is the same age as Peterson, 24, and is also a lefty. Szapucki is already on the Mets 40-man roster as well as a higher rated prospect than Peterson. He was at least worth bringing in to face MLB quality hitters in practice.
Franklyn Kilome SP/RP – The Mets acquired Kilome in the trade that sent Asdrubal Cabrera to Philly at the 2018 trade deadline. He can through a mid-90s heater for strikes, but his out pitch is a 12-6 curveball. When healthy Kolome has been an effective pitcher in the Minor Leagues.