Mets top prospect at each position in 2014

As the 2014 season begins in the major leagues, it will soon begin in the minor leagues. The Mets will have numerous minor league teams attempting to defend their division title and the players will have to perform to their potential. There are an endless amount of minor leaguers that the Mets could take a step forward in 2014. These are the top players at each position at the start of the season- this list will only include actual positional players.

Catcher: Kevin Plawecki

Before the R.A. Dickey trade Plawecki seemed to be the future behind the plate in Queens, but now his future seems to be a major question mark with Travis d’Arnaud holding up the spot. With a major breakout season including 38 doubles and a .305 batting average he is knocking on the door for the catcher role. If he continues to rake in AA, then he will most certainly become a top catching prospect.

Player to watch: Juan Centeno

There is a notable lack of catching depth behind the big two of d’Arnaud and Plawecki. Don’t be fooled, Centeno is still technically a prospect that can provide quality defense.

First Base: Dominic Smith

As the eleventh pick in the 2013 draft, Smith is the first player that Alderson has not gotten any heat for drafting in the first round. He struggled out of the gate in 2013, but then settled in from July 1st to seasons end with a .322/.420/.474 slash line. Smith is the first basemen of the future and while a few years away, he is already an elite minor leaguer.

Player to watch: Jayce Boyd

Boyd is not the sexiest of prospects especially because he is a first baseman with limited power. However, after hitting .330 this season, he should be on the radar for the Mets and other teams.

Second Base: Wilmer Flores

Flores will probably become a shortstop in the majors at this point in time- at least with the Mets. He is still known for his offensive abilities and while his defensive abilities are improving, he is still known as a second base prospect.

Player to watch: Dilson Herrera

After receiving Herrera in the trade for Marlon Byrd and John Buck, not much is known about what this kid can do. That being said, he should still be watched with a magnifying glass.

Shortstop: Amed Rosario

Not much is known about this kid and what he can actually do on the field and at the plate. All signs point to Rosario having a great future and a breakout year in 2014.

Player to watch: Gavin Cecchini

This kid has been ridiculed by almost every Mets fan for not having an immediate impact in the minors. While I believe Cecchini is facing a make-or-break year, he should be given the chance to produce .280/.340/.390 this year.

Third base: Eric Campbell

There is a noticeable lack of depth at the hot corner in the minors. This is very evident due to the only main players at this position are Zach Lutz and Campbell. Campbell is the younger of the two- which resulted in his appearance on the list. Campbell doesn’t exactly have a high ceiling but if something happens to David Wright (knock on wood) Josh Satin will fill in at third and he will be utility.

Player to watch: Matt Reynolds

While Reynolds has played all of his professional innings at short, he is still a third baseman at heart. This will be the season that he makes the transfer back to third base and Reynolds will run with it.

Outfield: Dustin Lawley

After hitting a notable 26 homers in 535 PA last season, Lawley should be placed on prospect lists for his power. While he is a bit old for AA, he should continue to excel and make the majors.

Outfield: Brandon Nimmo
After getting drafted in 2011, Nimmo has not been treated with very much respect from fans. He actually was breaking out in April of 2013, but he got a hand injury that derailed his entire season. This year Nimmo will finally put it all together and be a call-up in 2015.

Outfield: Cesar Puello

The ruling on the Biogenesis case will never be on Puello’s side. However, the fans should give Puello another chance- especially with his .403 OBP. Know his name Mets fans.