Mets' Top Prospects, Farm System Progress Report, Draft Targets
The New York Mets look like bona fide contenders for the first time in years, and they belong right alongside the Los Angeles Dodgers as favorites to win the NL pennant.
Their farm system has steadily improved in recent years, though their MLB roster is still largely made up of veteran talent, and many of their top prospects reside in the lower levels of the farm system.
Let's take a closer look at their current top-10 prospect list, a general overview of the farm system and a look ahead at who might be on their radar when they are on the clock in the 2022 draft.
Updated Top-10 Prospect List
Top 10 Prospects
1. C Francisco Alvarez (No. 6 on B/R's Top 100 list)
2. 3B Brett Baty (No. 36 on B/R's Top 100 list)
3. SS Ronny Mauricio (No. 79 on B/R's Top 100 list)
4. OF Alex Ramirez
5. 3B Mark Vientos
6. RHP Matt Allan
7. RHP Calvin Ziegler
8. RHP Jose Butto
9. OF Nick Plummer
10. RHP Joel Diaz
Farm System Progress Report
The Mets checked in at No. 14 in our most recent farm system rankings, which were updated on May 30.
Catcher Francisco Alvarez is unquestionably the team's top prospect, and he's hitting .274/.342/.514 with 12 doubles and 10 home runs in 199 plate appearances as one of the youngest players at the Double-A level. His defensive game remains a work-in-progress, but he might already be the best catcher in the organization.
The left side of the infield is crowded going forward, with shortstop Ronny Mauricio and third basemen Brett Baty and Mark Vientos all poised to make a significant impact at the next level.
Teenager Alex Ramirez is hitting .307/.345/.466 with 19 extra-base hits in 45 games in his second go-around at Single-A, and the 19-year-old has legitimate five-tool potential if he continues to improve on his contact ability.
Potential Draft Targets
The Mets have the No. 11 and No. 14 picks in the 2022 MLB draft, which gets underway on July 17 during MLB All-Star weekend.
The No. 11 pick is compensation for failing to sign Kumar Rocker at No. 10 overall last year.
Here's a look at some recent mock draft projections:
B/R Mock Draft (5/19): RHP Brock Porter, Orchard Lake St. Mary's HS (MI) and OF Jordan Beck, Tennessee
There's a legitimate chance no pitchers will be selected with the first 10 picks in the 2022 draft, which could mean the Mets have their pick at the position. With a 70-grade fastball that touches 100 mph and the makings of three good offspeed pitches, Brock Porter has moved to the top of the list, though he could still sneak into the top 10.
MLB.com Mock Draft (6/1): OF Justin Crawford, Bishop Gorman HS (NV) and C Daniel Susac, Arizona
The son of former MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, prep outfielder Justin Crawford has been flying up draft boards this spring. With a 55-grade hit tool, elite speed and the defensive chops to be a standout center fielder, it's not hard to see why. It remains to be seen how much power he'll develop, but he can still be an everyday player even without plus pop.
Baseball America Mock Draft (6/3): OF Gavin Cross, Virginia Tech and RHP Brock Porter, Orchard Lake St. Mary's HS (MI)
A .335/.419/.665 hitter this spring with the potential for a plus hit and plus power tool, Gavin Cross is part of the top-tier of college bats in this class. He was the best hitter on Team USA last summer, and he could move as quickly through the minors as any college bat in the 2022 class.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and accurate through Tuesday's games.