New York Mets Prospect Watch

After 40 games into the season, now is a good time to check up on some of the Mets prospects.


1)    Wilmer Flores, SS

At the young age of 18, Flores has excelled in A ball. He is hitting .354 and is currently 2nd in the South Atlantic League in batting average. Flores has also been a source of power with 5 home runs and 15 doubles through 37 games. It would not be surprising to see Flores more up to AA after the All-Star break.



2)    Fernando Martinez, OF

In his second stint in AAA, Martinez began to struggle. Through 90 at bats, he posted a .244 batting average. This is well below the .290 batting average that he posted in 190 at bats at AAA last year. Martinez was recently placed on the 15-day DL with a left hamstring strain. Martinez’s tendency to get injured and his recent struggles might prevent him from reaching the majors this year.


3)    Brad Holt, OF

The Mets 1st round draft pick from 2008 has struggled at the AA level. After finishing with a 6.21 ERA in 11 starts after being promoted from the Florida State League last year, Holt’s struggles have continued. Through 5 starts, he has posted a 10.95 ERA and a 2.351 WHIP. Holt may never become the top starter that the Mets expected him to be when they drafted him.

4)    Reese Havens, 2B

The Mets other 1st round pick from 2008 has had more success than Brad Holt. He has transitioned smoothly from shortstop to second base. After beginning the year in single A, Havens was promoted after only 14 games. In A ball, he posted a .281/.369/.509 line with three home runs. He looks like he could be a replacement for Luis Castillo once his contract expires.

5)    Josh Thole, C

After his stint in the majors last season, many thought that Thole would have a chance to start the season on the 25-man roster. The light-hitting catcher has struggled in AAA posting only a .198 batting average and a .265 on-base percentage. He has also struggled behind the plate, catching only 17% of runners stealing. His struggles this year have made the Rod Barajas signing look like a smart move.


6)    Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF

The 22 year old has had a strong season thus far in AA. He has posted a .302 BA through 162 at bats. He has hit 4 home runs while driving in 22 runs. He also has stolen 10 bases in 11 attempts. Expect him to be a potential September call-up.

7)    Jeurys Familia, SP

After having success last year, Familia has struggled. His ERA is 7.06 through 5 starts. His strikeout rate has increased from 7.3 K/9 to 9.6 K/9 this year. Unfortunately, his walk rate also increased from 3.1 BB/9 to 5.4 BB/9. If Familia can straighten out his control issues, he should once again have success in the minors.