Tom Brennan: A) Jeremiah = Florial? B) Mets' Mr. October, Minors Style

Jeremiah = Florial?

Maybe you noted the following late December Yankees trade:

The Yankees added pitching depth by acquiring RHP Cody Morris from the Guardians in exchange for OF Estevan Florial. Morris, in 2022-23, is 1-2 with a 3.41 ERA with 32 Ks in 32 IP.

Florial would have garnered more in the trade, but his Achilles heel as a hitter has been his high strikeout rate.  He has good power, has hit pretty well, and has base stealing speed.

Jeremiah Jackson, acquired by the Mets in 2023 for Dominic Leone, had a very solid season, with fine power and RBIs (22 HRs and 80 RBIs in 119 games), and steals, batting average and OBP.  His production has been similar to Florial in the minors at the same age - and with a very similar high K rate.

How similar? 

JJ's minor league Ks, though, total 448 in 1,551 plate appearances, or a K every 3.46 times up.  Florial has been up to the plate in the minors twice as much and Ks every 3.44 times up.  

Now THAT is similar.

Jackson is 28 months younger than Florial, so while Florial has progressed further, Jackson has more time to progress.

So...Jackson who is a righty hitting shortstop etc., has a real chance of making the majors, as has Florial, a lefty hitting outfielder. 

Florial hasn't played much in the majors, with limited success, most likely due to his K issues. 

Jackson, one could therefore speculate, could have similar (or perhaps slightly better) MLB success to that of Florial within the next few years, as shortstop is a more valuable position.

Jackson could switch to the outfield too - he's played 2nd, SS, 3rd, and LF and CF, so he has greater defensive versatility.

If JJ can improve his strikeout rate, his career ceiling should be higher. 

If the Mets lack roster room a year from now, JJ might be a fine trade chip.

Two seemingly equivalent players, with Jeremiah Jackson seeming to me to have greater upside.

He is currently ranked the Mets' 22nd prospect.

I'm looking forward very much to his career progression in 2024.

Ks drop, he could be top 10 this time next year.

MISTER OCTOBER, MINORS STYLE

Reggie (Jackson, not Smith) was the man in 1977. 

Three swings, 3 mammoth blasts in the concluding WS game?

Mr. October.

Of the Mets' 6 top prospect hitters, who is the closest to being the Mets' Minors Mr. October, based on career playoff results?  I like the question, since performing well in post-season play is invaluable.  Think Derek Jeter, besides Reggie Jackson.

Jett Williams: 4 for 15, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 walks.  Pretty danged good. 

Drew Gilbert: 5 for 17, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 walk.  Solid.

Luisangel Acuna: 10 for 62, 1 double, no HR, 2 RBI, 5 BBs.   Just Bad.

Ronny Mauricio: 4-14, 1 double, no HR, no RBI, 1 walk. Solid, brief.

Kevin Parada: 10 for 24, 1 double, no HR, 6 RBI, 2 walks. Excellent.

Ryan Clifford: 0 for 0, 0 walks, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 games.  Untested.

(One dark horse, Stanley Consuegra, who rocketed 16 HRs in 49 road games for Brooklyn last year, was 3 for 11 and 1 walk in the 2022 playoffs, with a double, HR and 4 RBIs.  May I at least call him Mr. September?)

A.  Winner of Met Minors Mr. October?  

JETT WILLIAMS. 

12 for 23 on base?  Wow.

B.  Close Runner-Up?

KEVIN PARADA.

C.  Winner of the Dave Winfield Mr. May Award?

LUISANGEL ACUNA.

All of the above is, of course, meaningless if the Mets never make the playoffs again.  Sometimes, this team makes you wonder if no future playoff games is a possibility.  Or, at least, say, not until 2050.  

In 2023, Edwin got hurt, the plan got blown up, the competition is fierce.  

Atlanta, LAD, you can bet your bottom dollar they will be in the playoffs virtually on an annual basis. 

The Citifield stadium lights, meanwhile, shut off in Queens for several months after game #162 as a pretty steadfast rule, for an obvious reason.  NGE Syndrome (Not Good Enough).

And the Mets ride off annually into the Canyon of Zeros. 

MLB TOP 100 WAS ANNOUNCED FRIDAY NIGHT:

One homegrown prospect (Jett Williams 45). Also in the top 100: Gilbert (53); Acuna (66); Clifford (97).

UNCLE OTTO IS COMING BACK!

The Mets are signing right-hander Adam Ottavino back on a one-year, $4.5MM contract. Welcome back.