Brandon Sproat, a right-handed pitcher, has truly taken the baseball world by storm. His prospect stock has seen an astonishing ascent, shooting from 16th in the organization to claim the top spot. Sproat's arsenal includes triple-digit velocity, along with two distinct breaking balls. This combination gives him the potential to become a dominant 2/3 starter if he can master his command within the strike zone. His ability to consistently throw at high speeds and with effective breaking pitches makes him a force to be reckoned with on the mound.
With his exceptional velocity and breaking balls, Sproat has the opportunity to lead the Mets' pitching staff in the coming years. His rise to the top of the prospect list is a testament to his hard work and talent, and Mets fans are eagerly anticipating his debut in the major leagues.
Jett Williams, a player with the ability to play both infield and outfield, had his 2024 season derailed by a wrist injury that required surgery. However, he was able to make a comeback and get some action in the Arizona Fall League. Williams' stock remains high within the organization as a player who is capable of generating a high on-base percentage and stealing bases at a high rate, whether at second base, shortstop, or center field.
His versatility and potential to contribute in multiple positions make Williams a valuable asset to the Mets. Once he fully recovers from his injury, he has the chance to become a key player in the team's lineup and make a significant impact on the field.
Carson Benge, the Mets' 2024 first-round draft pick, initially came out as a two-way player. But he has since decided to focus solely on hitting. Benge's ability to play all three outfield positions gives him the flexibility to adapt to different game situations. If everything goes according to plan, he has the potential to become a five-tool prospect, with the ability to hit for average, power, field, run, and throw.
His decision to focus on hitting shows his confidence in his offensive abilities. With his potential to play multiple outfield positions and his raw talent as a hitter, Benge is a player to watch as he continues to develop in the Mets' system.
Nolan McLean made a significant decision in the second half of the 2024 season by focusing only on hitting. This change in approach had a noticeable impact on his pitching, as he went from being unranked to fourth on the prospect list. McLean has already reached Double-A and showcases five distinct pitches, including his sweeper, which Baseball Prospectus has hailed as "one of the best breaking balls in the minor leagues."
His ability to develop multiple pitches and his success at higher levels of the minor leagues indicate that he has the potential to become a key pitcher for the Mets in the future. McLean's journey from an unranked prospect to one of the top four shows the impact that a change in approach can have on a player's development.
Jonah Tong skyrocketed up prospect lists with his outstanding 2024 campaign. He pitched at three different levels, with the majority of the year spent dominating in Brooklyn. Tong doesn't possess elite velocity like some of the other starters on this list, but he makes up for it with a deceptive delivery. This allows his fastball to play up and his other pitches to thrive.
His ability to deceive hitters and get outs with his unique pitching style makes Tong a promising prospect. His success at different levels demonstrates his adaptability and potential to become a reliable pitcher in the Mets' rotation.
Jesus Baez was on the verge of breaking out in 2024 until a torn meniscus cost him the second half of the season. But in 2024, he finally seemed to put together the perfect combination of patience, power, and speed. If he can carry this form into 2025, he should make it onto most top-100 lists for the next season.
Baez's all-around skills make him a valuable asset to the Mets. His ability to hit for power, get on base, and run the bases gives him the potential to be a game-changer on the field.
Luisangel Acuña got a taste of the major leagues in September during the playoff run and had more success than he did at the Triple-A level. The 2025 season holds many possibilities for Acuña as he continues to play up the middle and prove whether his 2024 stats in Syracuse are a true reflection of his abilities or if his performance in the MLB is closer to his true potential.
His journey in the Mets' organization is one filled with uncertainty, but his potential is undeniable. Acuña will need to continue to work hard and prove himself in order to secure a long-term spot in the major leagues.
Ryan Clifford has always been known for his big power. When the Mets promoted him and allowed his left-handed power to shine away from Brooklyn, his power truly blossomed. He also showed strong plate discipline during this time. However, Clifford needs to become less passive at the plate in order to tap into his power more frequently. If he can make this adjustment, he could become the Mets' first baseman of the future.
Despite his lack of mobility, Clifford's power and plate discipline make him a valuable asset at first base. His potential to become a key player in the Mets' infield is significant, and he will be watched closely as he continues to develop.
Ronny Mauricio, the forgotten man from the first wave of Mets prospects to debut in 2023, has faced some setbacks in his recovery from an ACL tear suffered in the Dominican Winter League in 2023. Currently, he has no defensive home, but he offers real power and speed. If he can receive the right support from the Mets' player development team and unlock his potential, the 2025 season could be a huge one for him.
Mauricio's talent and potential are undeniable, despite his recent setbacks. With the help of the Mets' coaching staff, he has the chance to regain his form and become a key contributor to the team.
Drew Gilbert missed nearly all of the 2024 season due to a hamstring injury. Even when he returned, he was hitting for a low average, which seemed to come at the expense of his power. As a result, he fell from second in the rankings to 10th. If he can't play center field, his outlook for the future changes significantly.
Gilbert's injury and subsequent struggles at the plate have put his future with the Mets in doubt. He will need to work hard to regain his form and prove that he can be a valuable contributor to the team.
Overall, four players who were not previously ranked have made it into the top-10, highlighting the growth in the Mets' player development and drafting. The most notable slide on the list was Drew Gilbert, who dropped from second to tenth. This shows the volatility of the prospect rankings and the importance of continued development and performance.
Read Baseball Prospectus' full analysis of the Mets' Top 10 here!