Steven Matz: Was drafted in 2009, back when the Mets would sign free agents and forgo picks like it was going out of style. He was their top pick in 2009 at 72nd overall. The 18-year-old had GREAT potential but fell to the second round because of injury concerns and his value being boosted by some late growth in his senior year. Turns out the injury risk was well deserved and he would not pitch for any significant time until he was 20. At 20 in the rookie league of Kingsport, Steven Matz might have proven to be a legitimate prospect once again. In 6 starts at the level, Matz sparkled: 29.0 IP, 16 Hits, 5 ER, 17 BBs and 34 Ks. His K/9 was a healthy 10.6 and his WHIP was an equally healthy 1.138.
Scouting: At 6’2” and approximately 195 Lbs Matz might be a LITTLE small by current MLB standards which usually see 6’3” starters but he’s not in the range where his size is a worry.
Fastball: Fastball sits at 95 MPH and reach as high as 98 MPH on the gun. For a lefty the speed is in the upper echelon. I would not anticipate any additional growth in his velocity range but if he can maintain this level and consistently deliver it could be deadly.
Secondary Pitches: Both his curveball and changeup are still deemed “raw” but he is starting to use both effectively. They both project to become at least MLB average offerings which would benefit from his + Lefty Fastball. The curveball is probably a tick or two ahead of the change.
ETA: Will play 2013 in Savannah making his earliest jump to the majors in the late 2015 or 2016 range. If I had to bet, I would say that the Met track record on injury risk players is terrible and Matz is looking at some sort of delay. I’d also bet that the Mets will toy with moving him into a relief role but even as a reliever he looks to have a significant upside.
Mets Top 20 Prospects:
- 20. Steven Matz, LHP (Full Season A) [2016 Bullpen]
Unless it’s for health reasons, I’d be surprised if Matz became a reliever. Lefties who can throw in the mid-90s and have two other pitches they can throw for strikes are wasted in the bullpen.
Is it what I would do? No. I made the assessment based on what the Mets are known for doing with injury risks. If all things work out with some of the other names on the list there shouldn’t be room in the bullpen anyway.
I agree with Brian there. He has a solid fastball and a few other pitches that need to be developed. Unless he doesn’t develop those pitches, he should be making a splash in the rotation. Especially with Edgin being the lefty in the bullpen.
He COULD.
I will say that Edgin has hardly locked down THE lefty in the bullpen role.
If Matz can stay healthy over the course of a full season, his future is bright. Unfortunately that seems to be a problem for him. If he does pan out though, he will go down as one of Omar’s best picks.
Matz doesn’t get enough love by prospect watchers, probably because he fell off the map with the injuries. It’s hard to put much stock in these players and hope the injuries don’t become a theme. When you do, they tend let you down (I’m looking at you, Havens…).
Like you said, the potential is there. Hopefully it’s behind him now.
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