Can Ryan Clifford Be A Geater Met Than Lucas Duda?
Before I start here, do I think the next Francisco Lindor-caliber infielder is in the Mets minors?
No. He is on his way to an 85 WAR career.
That said, there are some really good ones:
Elian Pena has the hype and flashed some teenage super-power last year. In 2026, I expect him to give us a clearer picture as to whether he might in fact be the next Lindor-caliber infielder.
Jacob Reimer had an impressive 2025, and I expect him to be equally impressive in AAA in 2026. A future David Wright Light? Don't be so quick to say no.
Ryan Clifford is a 22 year old super pounder, who will be looking to attack in AAA and brandish "Power Supreme." Future 1B/LF? Hopefully a starter caliber dude.
And Randy Guzman took the lower minors by complete surprise in 2025. Can he prove to be a stud prospect in 2026?
Jett Williams ought to be jetting into Queens in 2026. Hopefully, the next Gregg Jefferies.
Boston Baro, Trey Snyder? Possibles with rabid speed. They need to step it up. Marco Vargas? Not a speed, but ditto. This is the year for all 3 to impress management.
Of course, let's not forget Antonio Jimenez, who I think will excite the fans in his first full pro season in 2026, and show he has future MLB chops.
And, of course, the blazingly fast Mitch Voit. Who just might be the best infield prospect in 2026 in his first full pro season.
Yeah, there are other infielders, but my typing fingers are getting tired.
Not sure there is the next Lindor or Wright in this group, but the talent level is undeniable. And ABUNDANT.
To me, the next great Mets infielder is not currently wearing a Mets uniform
ReplyDeleteHe will arrive via trade or free agency
Past that, Marcus Semien
We (excuse me, the Mets) do have a plethora of tradable assets. They better, though, only trade Tong if we get Mason Miller back. Or Ohtani.
DeleteLooking at the infielders, it’s a talented bunch but how successful can they be? For example, the Mets asked Clifford to become more aggressive early in the count and his July stats were incredible! But then his August and September were at the Mendoza line as he was getting himself out swinging at stuff early. Reimer may come out ahead of Clifford.
ReplyDeleteAt the keystone, Williams and Voit lead the charge and it looks like there may be an all star there somewhere. Snyder, Baro and Jimenez are third basemen and Peña may become also. Peña has the hype but otherwise no one has separated yet. Vargas, Jeremy Rodriguez are SS types, but they need to build their strength. That Asigen kid could lead this group in rankings if they can finish the signing.
Looking at the infielders and outfielders, there are some possibilities but this system is certainly carried by its pitching.
Get Mr Bregman or Arenado
DeleteGus, I have to admit, I don’t know my Asigen from my elbow.
DeleteI am higher on Reimer than on Ryan Nieuwenhuis, err, I mean Clifford.
I hope we end up with 3 Mets position starters, and one or two subs, out of this collection of talent.
Bregman reminds me of the Beatles song, I AM THE EGG MAN, and Arenado the Eagles’ Desperado. Both are talented, just don’t mortgage the future.
DeleteYes the kid we are about to steal from the Skanks.
ReplyDeleteI choose to believe Trey Snyder will take a step forward in development in 2026 and Boston Baro will get back on track.
ReplyDeleteWow
DeleteBig stretch
You sound like Tom
I hope both emulated once-skinny Jeff McNeil and are attacking the weight room this off season.
DeleteLet's not forget Ewing who may be the best of the bunch.
ReplyDeleteThe one I would try to keep
DeleteRay, I agree. Sensational 2025 season…another weight room candidate. Just no pulled obliques from all you muscle adders in the minors.
Delete