A Deep and Promising Mets Minor League System
Heading into 2025, the New York Mets’ minor league system, under the guidance of Senior Vice President of Player Development Andy Green, is poised to be one of the deepest it has been in years. While the organization currently lacks a top-tier, elite prospect, there are several players on the verge of breaking through into the top 100 rankings. Evaluators have graded the Mets’ system just outside the top 10 in the sport, but they note that a fully healthy roster in 2024, including key players like Jett Williams, Ronny Mauricio, and Drew Gilbert, could have significantly altered this perception. The Mets’ emphasis on developing young, cost-controlled talent to complement established stars like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor is a strategic move that is beginning to bear fruit, as many of the prospects listed below have MLB ETA’s of 2025 or 2026.
Pitching Talent on the Rise
The Mets’ pitching development system, led by Vice President of Pitching Development Eric Jagers, has emerged as one of the best in the game in a relatively short period. One of the standout prospects is Brandon Sproat, who was named the organization’s pitcher of the year in 2024. Sproat dominated High-A and Double-A with a 2.05 ERA and 110 strikeouts over 87.2 innings. However, his first taste of Triple-A at Syracuse was challenging, with a 7.53 ERA in 28.2 innings. Andy Green highlighted the importance of facing adversity in the minor leagues: "Adversity is going to come in a big league uniform at some point in time and you can go back to that experience in the minor leagues where you conquered that." Triple-A presents unique challenges, including a different strike zone with the automatic ball-strike system and facing veteran players with major league experience. Despite these obstacles, Sproat’s repertoire, featuring a mid-90s fastball and a plus changeup, makes him a prime candidate to push for a spot in the Mets’ rotation early in the 2025 season. MLB ETA: 2025
Versatile Hitters with High Potential
Jett Williams, the second on the list, is a dynamic player who can contribute both at the plate and on defense. After wrist surgery sidelined him for four months in 2024, Williams played in the Arizona Fall League to regain his form. At his peak in 2023, he posted an .876 OPS with 44 extra-base hits, 45 stolen bases, and 104 walks in 121 games. His above-average bat-to-ball skills, elite plate discipline, and average power make him a valuable asset. Williams is a plus athlete who has played second base and center field, with a 30-plus stolen base threat potential. While a 2025 debut is possible, it’s more likely he will start the season in Double-A Binghamton. MLB ETA: 2026
Breakout Seasons and Unique Pitchers
Nolan McLean, a two-way player transitioning to a full-time pitcher, had a breakout season in 2024. After his last professional at-bat on June 20, he posted a 3.12 ERA in 52 innings with Double-A Binghamton. This offseason, McLean focused exclusively on pitching for the first time in his life, which could lead to significant improvements in his command and secondary pitches. His 70-grade sweeper, which exceeds 3,000 rpm, is a primary swing-and-miss pitch, complemented by a mid-90s fastball. While he needs to refine his command and secondary pitches, his work ethic and coachability are highly praised. Scouts believe 2025 could be a breakout year for McLean, with a chance to push for a big league spot late in the season. MLB ETA: 2025
Another player who experienced a significant rise in the rankings is Jonah Tong. Tong’s 2024 season was marked by a 3.03 ERA in 113 innings across Low-A St. Lucie, High-A Brooklyn, and a brief stint in Double-A Binghamton. His unique fastball, which can reach 95 mph with elite carry and 20 inches of induced vertical break, sets him apart. Tong also possesses an above-average 12-to-6 curveball and is working on developing his cutter and changeup. Despite some concerns about his command at higher levels, Tong is one of the more intriguing arms to watch in minor league baseball this year. He will start the season back with Double-A Binghamton, and his potential could see him moving up quickly. MLB ETA: 2026
Power Hitters with Projection
Ryan Clifford, currently ranked sixth, has the most raw power in the Mets’ system. His exit velocities and ability to elevate the ball are exceptional, as evidenced by his home run at 110.7 mph off the bat in a spring training game against Houston. Clifford’s strong plate discipline and knowledge of the strike zone make him a formidable presence at the plate. His 2024 performance was mixed, but he shone in Double-A Binghamton, where he ranked ninth in OPS (.815) and third in home runs (18) in just 98 games. Clifford’s potential to be a middle-of-the-order bat with 25-to-30 home run power and quality on-base percentage numbers is promising, and he should continue to refine his approach in 2025. MLB ETA: 2026
Carson Benge, the Mets’ 2024 first-round pick, is a highly projectable player with a strong batting stance and above-average raw power. Benge’s debut in Low-A St. Lucie saw him post an .857 OPS and two home runs in just 15 games, with an impressive 88th percentile exit velocity of 102.3 mph. The Mets will likely work to quiet down some of the moving parts in his swing this season. Benge is a good athlete and has the potential to be an everyday outfielder with 20-plus home run potential. He will start the season with High-A Brooklyn, and it will be crucial to monitor his batted ball data as he faces different challenges. MLB ETA: 2026
Young Talent with Long-Term Potential
Elian Peña, a 17-year-old shortstop, signed with the Mets in January for a franchise-record $5 million. Considered the No. 2 prospect in this year’s international class, Peña boasts plus bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline. He has already shown an advanced understanding of the strike zone, refusing to swing at pitches he deems to be balls. Peña has good bat speed and projects to have above-average power, with the potential to be a 25-home run hitter as he physically matures. Defensively, most scouts believe he will end up at third base, but the Mets will start him at shortstop. Peña’s skill set and physical maturation could see him becoming one of the best prospects in baseball. MLB ETA: 2029
Drew Gilbert, a versatile outfielder, missed much of the 2024 season due to a hamstring injury. However, he managed to hit 10 home runs in 56 Triple-A games and finished strong with an .821 OPS in September. Gilbert also played in the Arizona Fall League, posting a .783 OPS with four home runs in 21 games. While he missed Grapefruit League action, there is optimism he could be ready for the start of the minor league season. Gilbert’s above-average throwing arm and all-around game make him a strong candidate to reach the majors in 2025. MLB ETA: 2025
Additional Talent and Depth
Luisangel Acuña, despite a wrist injury in 2024, made a brief but impactful debut in the majors. He hit .400/.423/.920 with three home runs in eight games, showcasing his bat speed and hard contact ability. Acuña’s defensive skills at shortstop and second base, as well as his speed, make him a valuable asset. He will likely start the season back in Triple-A to build on his impressive debut. MLB ETA: Already made it
Blade Tidwell, the Mets’ 2024 third-round pick, struggled in Triple-A but showed promise with a low-to-mid 90s fastball and a plus gyro slider. This offseason, he has made adjustments to his delivery and pitch mix, focusing on five primary offerings. With improved command and consistency, Tidwell could become a valuable part of the Mets’ starting rotation or a high-leverage reliever. MLB ETA: 2025
Boston Baro, the Mets’ 2023 eighth-round pick, had a strong debut season in Low-A St. Lucie, slashing .288/.368/.399. He has added weight and strength to his frame, and the Mets are eager to see him impact the baseball more this year. Baro’s bat-to-ball skills and athleticism make him a promising infielder with a chance to rise quickly in the rankings. MLB ETA: 2027
Nick Morabito, the Mets’ 2024 organizational player of the year, excelled in the Florida State League and High-A Brooklyn, hitting .312/.403/.398 with 59 stolen bases. His contact-over-power approach and above-average plate discipline make him a strong candidate to become a fourth outfielder. Morabito’s speed and defensive skills in center field are notable, and he could reach Double-A this year with a strong start. MLB ETA: 2026
The Mets’ minor league system is filled with talented young players who are on the cusp of making significant impacts. With the right development and opportunities, these prospects could soon be contributing to the major league roster, further solidifying the Mets’ competitive edge in the coming years.
