Tom Brennan - GUYS LISTED ON THE METS' AAA ROSTER LIST THAT I THINK HAVE A CHANCE

I was looking at the currently listed AAA roster for Syracuse on the Mets website, from the perspective of a guy who wonders who on the list has what it takes to make the big leagues (either for the first time, or again) as more than a marginal cup of coffee guy who can't cut it when he gets there.  

The Mets have had so many of those strugglers over the years.  They fulfil their dream of making the big leagues, but they only hurt the Mets' chances many times, because they can't really make the grade.

From the current list, which I am sure will get maneuvered quite a bit by Opening Day 2021, here is how I break it down:

Seven Players With a Decent or Better Chance to Show Up in the Bigs in the Future:

Stephen Nogosek RP – the fact that he had an ERA close to 1.00 in his 2019 season in relief in AA and AAA and allowed just a hit every 2 innings that year, despite his brief failure out of the Mets pen in 2019, gives me the sense he might have some future big league success.

 

Jose Peraza SS – just due to turn 27 next spring, Peraza has a .270 major league batting average over roughly 2,000 plate appearances and speed too. One would think that a major league return is not if, but where, for Mr. Peraza.

 

Jose Peroza 3B – younger than Bret Baty, he hit 10 HRs and knocked in 42 runs in 49 games while hitting .263 in rookie ball in 2019 at age 19.  Hard to tell this early, but so far, so good - let’s see if he can build on that in 2021.

 

Wilmer Reyes 2B – as our very own John From Albany periodically reminds us, he had a fine 2019 in Brooklyn, and got good feedback in 2020, so as of now, sights are set high for a guy whose first and last names are very familiar to Mets fans.

Ryder Ryan P – potential demonstrated in 2019 - the hard thrower was 2-1, 3.05 with 40 Ks in 44 IP in AA.  

 

Mallex Smith CF – super speedy and he has had real moments of MLB success already, having stolen 120 of 154 at the big league level with an average of .255 in nearly 1,500 at bats.

 

Arodys Vizcaino P – he has pitched some at the major league level and done OK.

 

Eleven others in the running, but less likely (IMO) to reach the majors in a significant way, if at all:

Quinn Brodey RF – has slowly ground upwards since being drafted in the 3rd round, but his numbers have never stood out - so far.  Needs to pick up the pace quite a bit to be, say, a Jake Marisnick-comparable player someday.

 

Luis Carpio 2B – possible future utility guy whose hitting has gradually improved, but who needs to up his hitting game to reach prime time.

 

Tony Dibrell P – got smacked around in AA in 2019, so he needs to be a lot better to show up in Queens against vastly tougher hitters  - without a ticket, anyway.

 

Harol Gonzalez P – had a fine bounce back 2019 in AA and AAA, but I’m unclear if his stuff is sufficiently MLB caliber.  Seems like the kind of pitcher who might find it tough making a higher caliber Mets team

 

Wagner Lagrange LF – has hit well, but not great ,and low on power.  Big gap between what he has done and the majors.  Now 25, and he needs a big 2021.

 

Shervyen Newton SS – considered a really fine athlete but he fanned a whole lot in 2019 in A ball (139 times in 109 games).  Can he significantly cut down the Ks against far tougher pitching? He'll have to prove it to me.

 

Dedniel Nunez P – pitched pretty well in 2019 (4.39 ERA in A ball but 94 Ks in 80 IP), but needs to show more.

 

Michel Otanez P – he had a solid 2019 in rookie ball, but not “WOW” numbers.  Too soon to really prognosticate,

 

David Rodriguez C – catchers always have a chance, but he hit just .225 in AA in 2019.  Needs to up the O.

 

Corey Taylor P – gives up a lot of career hits, but very few HRs.  Maybe he’ll get a shot at some point, but he hasn't yet and soon turns 28.  Usually, that tells you something.

Jeremy Vasquez 1B – solid bat, but needs to hit both for more average and power at a highly competitive position to break into the bigs.

Everyone else listed on the Syracuse roster right now?  

I don't think they'll make it.

That's my take.

They all have the chance to prove that they're better than what I am indicating.

Of course, the ultimate long shot is none other than Tim Tebow.  Never count out a former QB, says John Elway.