Mets Prospects Who Can Still Make an MLB Impact in 2022
The New York Mets have some intriguing top-tier talent in their farm system, headlined by catcher Francisco Alvarez, who has a chance to be a bona fide superstar once he reaches the majors.
While it's unlikely we'll see Alvarez, Brett Baty or Ronny Mauricio in the big leagues this season, there are other prospects in the system capable of making positive contributions for a contender.
Ahead, we've highlighted three prospects who can still make an MLB impact in 2022, focusing solely on players who have not yet appeared in the majors this year.
Prospects who have already seen MLB action in 2022: OF Khalil Lee, OF Nick Plummer, LHP Thomas Szapucki
RHP Jose Butto
The Mets system is thin on high-end pitching talent right now, especially in the upper levels of the minors.
Jose Butto is one notable exception. He's off to a strong start this year following a breakout 2021 campaign.
The 6'1" right-hander has a 3.64 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 47 innings at Double-A Binghamton, and his fastball-changeup combination could play out of the MLB bullpen right now.
He'll need to further develop his curveball as a viable third pitch if he's going to stick as a starter, but he's capable of helping soon in a relief role.
RHP Eric Orze
A fifth-round pick in the abridged 2020 draft, Eric Orze made his pro debut last season and posted a 3.08 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 12.1 K/9 in 34 appearances while climbing two levels to close out the year at Triple-A.
Back at the highest level of the minors this year, he has continued to miss plenty of bats with 37 strikeouts in 25 innings, albeit with a 5.76 ERA in 17 appearances.
His bloated ERA is the result of the eight home runs he has allowed, and he had a pair of multi-homer appearances early in the year.
The two-time cancer survivor is already a great story just playing pro ball, and his swing-and-miss stuff is going to be his ticket to the big leagues.
3B/OF Mark Vientos
The one high-level prospect we could see in a Mets uniform before the season is over is Mark Vientos.
The 22-year-old is already on the 40-man roster, and he's hitting .255/.343/.524 with 10 home runs in 41 games at Triple-A. That comes on the heels of a breakout 2021 season in which he logged a .933 OPS with 25 home runs and 63 RBI in 83 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season.
His 2022 numbers would look even better if not for a slow start, as he's hitting .321/.406/.679 with nine home runs and 21 RBI in 22 games since the beginning of May.
Originally drafted as a shortstop, he has since settled in at third base while also seeing time at first base and in left field. That defensive versatility will increase his chances of finding a spot on the MLB roster.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and accurate through Tuesday's games.