Some people might be prone to ask the question, “Who is Hansel Moreno?” The Mets drafted him back in 2014 and his first three years with the organization did not occur stateside. His numbers in the DSL, frankly, weren’t that good and prior to 2017 there was little reason to focus especially on him… after all, we remember Vicente Lupo.
His 2016 numbers were good and any player who hits over .800 in the DSL before the age of 20 deserves a shot in the GCL. That’s exactly what brought Moreno to the states in 2017 and he’s made the most of it.
The tall 6’4” third baseman (he’s switched from shortstop) is a switch hitter who brings an enticing mix of speed and power to a position that has been relatively shallow for the Mets since David Wright’s injury problems.
At the age of 20 he showed the Mets enough in 15 games in the Gulf Coast League to earn a promotion to the Kingsport squad. How good? How does a .393/.449/.504 strike you? He’s since played several games in Kingsport and seems to be taking quite well to his promotion.
Pros:
- Hits for Contact
- Has patience at the plate
- Shows good power and speed potential
Cons:
- Still learning a new position
- 3-5 years from the majors
Following Moreno the Kingsport Mets roll out quite a murderers row to face their opponents. Wagner Lagrange shows solid power and ability to make contact, Rigoberto Terrazas has 11 extra base hits in 22 games, Jeremy Vasquez has four home runs and great power potential, and Juan Uriarte adds his own 11 extra base hits including two home runs.
AAA Las Vegas 51s:
Dominic Smith still crushing the ball – At what point do the Mets need to trade Lucas Duda just to get this kid into the lineup?
Amed Rosario off and running – After a slump it looks like Rosario has put the bad behind himself and has started stealing more bases.
AA Binghamton Mets:
David Thompson needs to do more – He’s hitting more consistently but the Mets need more from him.
Corey Oswalt looking steady – After a rough start to the year he’s been a model of consistency for the B-Mets.
Chris Flexen might be earning more than a promotion – At this rate he’ll garner some focus in Spring Training.
A+ Port St. Lucie Mets
Patrick Mazeika hitting again – the concern is that he isn’t showing much power.
Tim Tebow hitting well since promotion – Say what you will about the 29 year old “prospect” but he’s certainly hitting well in the FSL.
Peter Alonso is erasing a dismal April and May – His OPS over the last two months is well over .800 and his overall numbers are starting to show for it.
Nabil Crismatt has earned a promotion – It may not come this season but he belongs in AA.
Change the title from Robles to Moreno
My fault – thanks for the correction.
The Mets are on the way to cornering the market on players named “Hansel”
They’re so hot right now…
I don’t understand the love for Smith. 889 ops in Vegas is hardly noteworthy, and he boasts no patience and modest power. He’s in no way shape or form shown that he’s ready for the big leagues
My thoughts exactly about Smith. Rosario’ s numbers also don’t transpose to the major league level well either. All the scouts like both players but it gives me trepidation. I hope the real eyes are better than the numbers seen on the page.
I believe in Rosario’s bat speed and overall athleticism and plus-defense.
Smith, shrug. He might be the prospect a smart club trades before he gets exposed. Of course, I have no idea.
I don’t see him as an upgrade over Duda. However, I’d rather see Bruce at 1B and would make that deal if Jay was willing to make that transition.
In terms of prospects, I’m much more hopeful about Peter Alonso.