Paul Articulates – Arizona Fall League begins

The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is one of the most highly regarded development platforms in Major League Baseball.  Teams from around the league send their young talent to showcase their skills and to develop their abilities against other talented players.

This year, the AFL is set to kick off on October 2nd (today) with all six team seeing action.  The 30 game season will last through the November 11th championship game and will also include an all-star competition and home run derby.  Games are played at the Cactus League stadiums in Arizona.  Check the menu bar above for links to some AFL information.  

Among the players who will compete in the AFL this year, the Mets are sending nine players to the Glendale Desert Dogs.  

That list includes Catcher Kevin Parada (Binghamton); Pitchers Nolan Clenney, (Syracuse), Tyler Thomas (Syracuse), Brendan Hardy (Binghamton), Jordan Geber (Binghamton), and Trey McLoughlin (Binghamton); Outfielder Rowdey Jordan (Binghamton); and Infielders JT Schwartz (Binghamton) and D’Andre Smith (Brooklyn).  Here are a few things to know about the Mets’ prospects in the AFL:

Kevin Parada is the highest rated prospect among the Mets’ entries, currently listed as the fifth highest Mets prospect and number 89 in the MLB top-100 list.  Parada was the Mets’ first round pick in 2022, going as the 11th player selected overall.  In this 2023 season, he spent time with the St. Lucie Mets (low A), Brooklyn Cyclones (A), and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (AA) during the 2023 season, slashing .248/.324/752 in 105 games.

JT Schwartz was a fourth round pick in 2021 out of UCLA where he brought home a Pac-12 batting title in 2021.  Schwartz played the majority of the 2023 season with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, slashing .302/.383/.437 and playing outstanding defense as their starting first baseman.  He rarely strikes out and has the kind of swing that translates to higher levels.  Think John Olerud without the batting helmet.

Rowdey Jordan was an 11th round pick out of Mississippi State.  He spent the 2023 season with the Rumble Ponies and slashed .230/.344/.367 in 119 games.  A versatile player, Jordan played several positions for the Ponies in both the infield and outfield while also serving as a DH in 9 games.  His speed makes him a fun player to watch.

D’Andre Smith was the Mets fifth round pick in 2022 out of USC.  He spent the 2023 season as the Brooklyn second baseman, slashing .234/321/.353 in 64 games with the Cyclones.

Nolan Clenney was signed as a free agent in 2021 by the Mets.  The 27 year old right hander has spent three years in the Mets system, including 37 games this year with the Binghamton and Syracuse squads.  He posted a 5.63 ERA with a 1.53 WHIP for the season.

Tyler Thomas had a very solid 2023 season in the Mets’ system.  In 24 games between the Binghamton and Syracuse teams, Thomas posted a 2.86 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP.  He converted 4 of 4 save opportunities and also contributed two holds.

Trey McLoughlin, a 16th round pick in 2021, hurled for both the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Binghamton Rumble ponies this year.  In 35 games pitched for the two teams, he registered a 2.79 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP, striking out 64 and walking only 16 in 51 innings pitched.

Brendan Hardy was drafted out of high school by the Mets in 2018.  The 23 year old moved up this year from St. Lucie to Brooklyn to Binghamton and compiled a noteworthy 1.80 ERA in 24 games across the three teams.

Jordan Geber was signed as a free agent by the Mets in 2022.  In an abbreviated season due to injuries, Geber pitched 15 games in the Mets’ minor league system.  He finished strong with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, giving up zero runs in 18 innings and pitching to a 0.82 WHIP.  

So there you have it - nine Mets on the Glendale team working to refine their skills prior to the 2024 season.  Lets go Dogs!!