SPOTLIGHT ON METS' PROSPECT
SHERVEYN NEWTON
SHERVEYN NEWTON
Ronny Mauricio (SPOTLIGHTED by me on Thursday) and Sherveyn Newton, today's SPOTLIGHT prospect, have lots in common.
Both are ranked in the Mets' top 5 prospects, Mauricio at # 2 and Newton at # 4.
Both are young, tall, and slender.
Both are infielders.
Both are switch hitters.
Drilling down a bit on Newton:
Newton?
Recently turned 20, listed at 6'4", 180.
Expected to fill out and add power.
Newton, from the Netherlands, had a 2019 season's start more fitting to Neverland.
He was hurt early, so he got off to a late start (April 22), and for 16 games was hitting under .100 - the double Mendoza line - (just 4 for 51) - with lots of Ks (23).
His last 18 games, though, he has rebounded briskly. Sherveyn has hit .285 (19 for 66) with 17 Ks and 5 walks. Much improved. Phew!
Newton's walks (13 in 33 games) are down vs. last season, but he still has a walk every 2.5 games, which is still a healthy rate.
Newton's walks (13 in 33 games) are down vs. last season, but he still has a walk every 2.5 games, which is still a healthy rate.
Impressively, Sherveyn has had 58 extra base hits and a .385 on base % in his career, spanning 682 at bats. As he fills out and gains experience, his extra base hit and HR rates may well increase.
Defensively, he seems to be perhaps a bit ahead of Mauricio. Strong arm, too. Steals? As a pro, OK so far - Newton is 14 of 24.
Defensively, he seems to be perhaps a bit ahead of Mauricio. Strong arm, too. Steals? As a pro, OK so far - Newton is 14 of 24.
Happily, Newton was thrown into A ball water without a life preserver - he jumped over Brooklyn's short season directly into full season ball, providing him a greater challenge and a greater number of games to grow with - good move, Mets.
There is a lot of 2019 full season baseball for him to grow and progress in. It will be interesting to watch, and equally interesting to see what Newton (and Mauricio) are ready to bring to the table when 2020 rolls around.
Hopefully, Sherveyn will continue to play better and better throughout 2019 and get some games in later this season in High A ball with the St Lucie Mets.
He needs to resolve his strikeout issues, which I still believe relate to his ability to walk a lot and trying to learn the strike zone (better to do it now, than when he reaches the Mets like Amed Rosario did).
If he does, Newton has a real chance to play with the Mets for many years, perhaps by 2021 or 2022.
If he does, Newton has a real chance to play with the Mets for many years, perhaps by 2021 or 2022.
He runs contrary to the draft power bats philosophy, no?
ReplyDeleteHes built like an NBA small forward. If everything starts to click hes gonna fly up the system from here.
ReplyDeleteNewton has the tools to be a major league players.
ReplyDeleteI'm just sure he can find a place on a future Mets team.
The Mets just threw silly money at 16 year old Intl Shortstops over the past five years. Yeah, I know they are the best athletes in the neighborhoods there, but, come one, can I get a pitcher or outfielder here?
My guess he will he involved in an off-season trade.
I dont know why he hasnt been tried in the OF yet. I would love him out there.
ReplyDeleteApparently, Newton is considered in the future to have very big power and a very quick, explosive bat. I think we are starting to see the real Newton lately. Future slugging outfielder is my guess.
ReplyDelete