Parada, Scherzer, Alvarez, Ovalles, Reimer
Bowden: Top 5 MLB catching prospects, and what their GMs say about them -
4. Kevin Parada, Mets
Age: 21
B: R T: R HT: 6-1 WT: 197
Slash line (Rookie ball, Low A): .275/.455/.425
2B: 3 HR: 1 RBI: 8 SB: 0 CS%: 27%
I love Parada because he can mash. He’s a contact hitter with loud, high-percentage barrel contact to all fields and above-average power. He’s a below-average defensive catcher with a slightly below-average arm, but he should be able to stay behind the plate.
He’ll have competition at catcher with the Mets, whose top prospect, Francisco Álvarez, is also more of an offensive catcher. However, either of them could play first base or DH if needed. That said, it’s possible Parada could be a significant trade piece if the Mets need to deal for a star at the trade deadline. With his special offensive potential, he could end up being a headliner in a major trade.
Mack - we are going to learn a lot about this stud this spring. Keep an eye on any improved defense.
Mets' Max Scherzer discusses possibly opting out after 2023 season -
"I wanted to pursue a championship in that third year. And that's where an opt-out, to me, made sense. But obviously, (Mets owner Steve Cohen) has demonstrated that we're going to be trying to win the World Series. We're gonna do whatever it takes to win. But when I’m stepping in, I’ve gotta have that insurance, because talk is cheap, right? You’ve got to see the proof in the pudding, and we have now seen what Steve has done."
Two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom made it known last March he'd opt out of his Mets contract after the 2022 season. While deGrom eventually signed with the Texas Rangers following the World Series, Cohen responded by spending a fortune to hold onto other key players and acquire big names such as three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander.
Scherzer admitted he previously wondered what Cohen would do if the Mets had to replace deGrom ahead of this season.
"I got an answer," Scherzer added in an obvious reference to the signing of Verlander.
Mack - This ain’t gonna happen.
Will Steve sign him again past this contract? Probably not.
Law: 20 MLB prospects who should make the biggest impact in 2023 -
Francisco Álvarez, C, New York Mets
Álvarez has as much offensive upside for this year as anyone on this list, but doesn’t have a clear path to a job right now, as the Mets signed Omar Narváez in December and still have Tomás Nido, although those two combined for 0.5 WAR last year and I don’t really see how Álvarez would be any worse, even if you think he’s a 40 defender.
If he gets 400 plate appearances this year I bet he hits 20 homers. I just don’t think they’re going to give him that much playing time.
Mets’ 5 best DH options to platoon with Daniel Vogelbach for 2023 MLB season -
3. Francisco Alvarez makes roster as catcher and DH for Mets. This is not likely going to happen, but it certainly has its appeal. Alvarez is the Mets top prospect and the No. 1 catching prospect in all of baseball. His bat seems big-league ready and who wouldn’t be excited to watch Alvarez mash at Citi Field this season after all the hype and build up.
Just 21-years-old, Alvarez blitzed through the minor leagues, hitting 51 home runs the past two seasons when he played at Double-A and Triple-A last season after starring at two levels of Single-A in 2021. But GM Billy Eppler explained this past week that the Mets do not want Alvarez to be a part-time catcher in the big leagues just to get his bat in the lineup as DH.
They want Alvarez to be a full-time catcher when he arrives in Queens, meaning he’s likely starting the season at Syracuse to work on his defense and pitch calling.
Mack - In one sense, I’m written enough this pre- season on this guy, but the Mack Reports are committed to showing you what the expects are saying.
God, I hope he isn’t a dud.
16. Layonel Ovalles, RHP
Age: 20 | 6-3 | 216 pounds
Bats: Right | Throws: Right
International signing in 2019
Ovalles is a projectable right-hander who’s been up to 98 mph from a high slot and showed excellent control until a late-season promotion to Low A, where he was also challenged by left-handed hitters because of his lack of a third pitch. He’ll turn 20 in June but doesn’t have a ton of experience.
Mack - Ovalles pitched for both DSL Mets teams in 2021, posting a stat line of: 12-G, 6-ST, 0-2, 2.83, 0.67, 35-IP, 34-K.
2022 brought him stateside, where he first pitched excellently for the FCL Mets (11-G, 1-ST, 2.76, 1.05. 29.1- IP, 44-K) but, stalled out for the St. Lucie A team (5-G, 3- ST, 0-1, 6.23, 1.56, 17.1-IP, 22-K).
My hopes are he returns to St, Lucie for a fresh start this spring.
Notes about players that missed the Top 20 list:
Third baseman Jacob Reimer was their fourth-round pick out of Yucaipa High School in California, alma mater of Taijuan Walker and Matt Davidson; he’s very strong for 18 and hits the ball hard to all fields, projecting to plus power down the road. …
Mack - Baseball-Reference clearly states that Reimer is a “third baseman and designated hitter”
Far too early to determine his Mets future. He had 23 at-bats for the FCL Mets last season as an 18-year old. No rush to get on line. Bring him back to either the same team he played for last year, or give him a go in St. Lucie.
10 comments:
Mack, Alvarez has SO much power, his low end potential has to be Gary Sanchez. Most likely much better.
Vientos CRUSHED AAA lefties last year. On any normal team, he would strongly be considered as DH vs. lefties.
Courtesy of MILB, his 2022 “vs. lefty” AAA numbers: .330/.408./.772.
And he struggled called-up into the white hot pennant race, but as a major leaguer, 4 for 18 and a HR vs. lefties. Compare to Ruf. Vientos belongs.
OVALLES needs to be allowed to pitch a lot and improve.
Tom
I've watched all of Alvarez' spring at bats so far.
Very unlucky results but hitting the ball well
Vientos is hitting the ball with authority so far this spring
I think Francisco and Mark had their "baptisms of fire" in the heat of the race last Sept/Oct, and are ready. Today.
I think if both of them got 600 ABs this year with the Mets, they'd hit 30 homers. A shame it is so crowded. You know the first person I would exile to free up room. Rhymes with Guff.
There studs will balance the salary issue next year
Four guys making a total of $3 million? That'll help the budget. and, as Mack knows, BMDO will work for cheap too. :)
IF (big "IF") they all come close to reaching their expectations, I can imagine a lineup by late next year including Baty, Mauricio, Vientos and Alvarez joining Pete, Jeff, Lindor, Nimmo and Marte.
How many HRs could that group produce? Possibly more than our '86 lineup and the guys shooting for the short porch in the Bronx.
Too soon to predict, sure, but not too soon to start drooling in anticipation.
Don’t think they get 20 HRs combined from Alvarez and Vientos!
Mets’ at bats leader after 4 games? Mark Vientos, 3 for 11. including 2 for 4 vs. lefties. Baty and Mauricio showing off, too. Nice.
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