Sandy Alderson has always considered himself somewhat of a jokester. He recently poked fun at the current Mets shortstop situation, has always provided a (surprisingly) clever rebuttal to Scott Boras’ Mets jokes, and is famous for his quote following the 2012 season: “What Outfield?” At the time, the outfield consisted of three lefties: Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and Mike Baxter. The 2012 outfield in Queens was a complete disaster with the exception of Scott Hairston and flashes of Duda’s potential. Since then, there has been a revolving door in the Mets outfield including; Collin Cowgill, Eric Young Jr., Andrew Brown, Marlon Byrd, Chris Young, and Bobby Abreu. The Mets have signed the duo of Curtis Granderson and Michael Cuddyer to bridge the gap for some top prospects. So who are these top prospects, and how to do they fit into the Mets future plans? Let’s take a look:
Left Field: Michael Conforto
Drafted tenth overall in the 2014 draft, Conforto was considered to be the top college bat in the draft. He has not disappointed since hitting to the tune of a .851 OPS in his first season in Brooklyn. Conforto could project to hit anywhere from 15 to 30 homeruns a season. He holds an extremely selective bat that has the potential to walk over 100 times a season while striking out over 125 times. While he probably won’t be winning any batting titles, he can still spray hits all over the field. Conforto is limited to left field because of his average arm. That being said, many people have praised his defense over the past several months. Alderson has said that he will put Conforto in A+ St. Lucie to start the season and could wind up in AAA if everything goes well. It remains unlikely that he makes his debut before late-2016, but the Mets could have a future all-star on their hands.
Center Field: Juan Lagares
If you are a Mets fan and yet are not familiar with Juan Lagares, let me catch you up. This kid has burst on to the scene with minimal recognition on any prospect lists to become a Gold Glove centerfielder. He still has not played a full season in the major leagues (502+ PA), but he demonstrated enormous strides last season as he hit .281. At this point, it remains likely that Lagares will be leading off ballgames-which will likely lead to an abundance of stolen bases. It remains unlikely that he will ever turn his doubles power into 10-15 homerun power anytime soon, but a fan can dream. The sky is the limit for this kid as heads into his age-26 season and hopefully he stays.
Right Field: Brandon Nimmo
Until last season, Nimmo was the poster child for Alderson’s “failed” tenure as general manager. One thing that has separated Nimmo from the rest of the competition has been his ability to draw surplus walks. In 2014, he was incredible in St. Lucie when he posted a .906 OPS including a 50:51 BB:K ratio. He struggled a bit in AA Binghamton, but still showed an ability to draw walks and hit doubles. He projects to be an effective leadoff hitter with 10-15 homerun power and 1st to 3rd speed (rather than stolen base speed). There has never been any concern with his glove as he projects to be league average. Many have noted that it remains unlikely Nimmo will reach the majors in 2015. Regardless, AAA Las Vegas can make Nimmo truly stand out and even force a September call-up.
It has been a while since Flushing has had three all-star caliber outfielders at one time and it would be fun to watch these guys all play in the same outfield. Nevertheless, prospects are still a gamble and it is never a good idea to just pencil these guys in. However, these three seem to be pretty safe picks to have solid careers and maybe we’ll see some of them in Spring Training!
I’m looking forward to that outfield. It’s been a long time since this team developed corner outfielders with the potential of Nimmo and Conforto. Here’s hoping the plan works.
Just on percentages of prospects that make it I doubt that we will ever see those three form a productive ML outfield. Although I am surely hoping, I think a more realistic look at it would be to add Lupo, Becerra, Stuart, King, Cespedes and a few others and hope that three from among that group pan out.
We have some very interesting OF prospects in the lower levels of the farm just a few years away.
Becerra seems primed to break out this year.
See all you guys around opening day leaving tomorrow for some warmth and relaxation in Venezuela for a month.
My winter is officially over!
Enjoy it for all of us.
I can see these three forming a very good outfield for years to come, but two are still prospects and Lagares hasn’t played all that much. That being said, I’m optimistic.
And, of course, Terry Collins may go back to putting Lagares near the bottom of the batting order, placing Granderson at leadoff instead. Another mistake by the deep thinking manager…..
Your roundup omitted the inimitable outfield stylings of the superannuated Rick Ankiel, who contributed a .182 BA with 25 Ks in 20 games for our 2013 Mets. Sandy really left no stone unturned that year.
Gosh, Ankiel was a Met wasnt he. Oh Sandy, what were you thinking?????
Does Nimmo repeat Herrera, and get called up from Double A this year?