3 Mets prospects ranked on ESPN’s new Top 100 list for 2023, with one glaring omission
The Mets, who had four prospects ranked on MLB Pipeline’s new Top 100 list and five prospects ranked on The Athletic’s new Top 100, had three prospects ranked on ESPN’s Top 100 list that was compiled by Kiley McDaniel.
Those prospects:
C Francisco Alvarez, No. 5
3B Brett Baty, No. 20
SS Ronny Mauricio, No. 56
A notable omission on ESPN’s list was catcher Kevin Parada, who was on the Top 100 for The Athletic (No. 44) and MLB Pipeline (No. 36).
Parada, whom the Mets selected in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, was viewed as one of the best hitters in the draft.
Also absent from ESPN’s list was CF Alex Ramirez, who — like Parada — was on The Athletic’s list (No. 68) and MLB Pipeline’s list (No. 96).
While Parada and Ramirez didn’t make the ESPN Top 100, they were both listed in the next tier, with Parada at what would’ve been No. 101.
As far as what McDaniel thinks of Alvarez, he had this to say:
“Alvarez’s combination of game-changing power and premium position are the carrying tools. His contact ability is just OK and his speed won’t help him leg out many infield hits, but Alvarez’s shorter arms and incredible strength make for a scary combination for pitchers.”
When it comes to Alvarez’s ability to stay behind the plate, McDaniel is a believer:
“Alvarez has a real chance to be an everyday-quality defender behind the plate,” wrote McDaniel. “He has always been built like a bowling ball, so his mobility isn’t his biggest strength defensively. He makes up for it with his arm and he has made progress in all the soft skills like game-calling while physically staying loose and flexible.”
On Baty, McDaniel wrote that he has “25-30 home run upside if it all clicks.”
Source: Yahoo Sports
