MACK – Let’s Revisit - 1B/2B/3B - Jamari Baylor
Jamari Baylor is a 25/26-year-old right-handed hitting/throwing infielder (primarily SS/2B, with versatility across the infield and occasional outfield) currently in the New York Mets’ minor-league system. Background and Draft
- Born August 25, 2000, in Richmond, Virginia.
- Height/weight: 5'10", 190 lbs.
- Attended Benedictine College Preparatory (a military school near Richmond). As a high school senior prospect, he showed a strong combination of power, speed (plus runner), contact ability, and arm strength; scouts saw him potentially moving off shortstop long-term to second, third, or a corner outfield spot.
- Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 3rd round (91st overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of high school and signed for a $675,000 bonus. He was ranked among the Phillies’ top prospects for a period early in his career.
- Phillies organization (2019–early 2023): Played in the complex leagues and Low-A/High-A affiliates (including Clearwater and Jersey Shore). Development was interrupted by injuries at times.
- Traded to the Colorado Rockies for cash in May 2023. He performed well initially with Low-A Fresno (hitting for average and power, earning California League Player of the Week honors) before struggles and a release later that year.
- 2024: Brief time with the independent York Revolution (Atlantic League), then signed by the Toronto Blue Jays and assigned to High-A Vancouver. He dealt with injuries (including time on the 60-day IL) and elected free agency after the season.
- 2025: Standout season with the independent Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Atlantic League). In 98 games he posted career highs, including a .303 average, .421 OBP, .552 SLG (.973 OPS), 21 home runs, 77 RBIs, 100 hits, 19 doubles, 73 runs, 54 walks, and 19 stolen bases. He showed strong plate discipline and power, especially in the second half.
- Mets organization (2026): Signed as a free agent to a minor-league deal on April 29, 2026, and assigned to Single-A St. Lucie. He quickly impressed (including a walk-off home run) and earned Player of the Homestand honors.
- He was promoted to High-A Brooklyn Cyclones (with a brief IL stint), then to Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies on August 18, 2026.
- 2026 - AA-Binghamton - 46-AB, 1-HR, 5-RBI, .217
Baylor is a toolsy, athletic player known for speed, improving power, plate discipline (especially walks), and positional flexibility. After years of organizational hopping and independent ball success in 2025, he has steadily climbed the Mets’ system in 2026 from Single-A to Double-A.
The kind of player you need in the minors to back up on defense the pitchers you are actually trying to access for their ultimate major league projectability. There is no embarrassment in having such a career in professional baseball, and real value in having a number of such players on your top tier farm teams. Just don't expect them to compete for a major league position.
ReplyDeleteHas a chance some day.of being called up in a utility role which, under a new agreement with the owners should get him a mil salary while he's up
DeleteNo relation to Bob I guess
ReplyDeleteKid is a fighter… dont like the IL stints but maybe his body wasn’t strong enough yet?
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