These Three Prospects Could Be Mets Next Stars

The New York Mets had an extraordinarily good luck with their prospects, as pitcher Nolan McLean and outfielders Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing all stepped into prominent roles, with Benge and McLean becoming out-and-out stars. 

This year’s prospects are almost as promising, and Anthony DiComo did a breakdown of the top three to see what they have to offer and what their chanches of making it are. 

Jefferson Rojas, 2B

DiComo had an especially interesting take on Rojas, saying that his biggest strength was his lack of weaknesses. He was the second-ranked prospect in the Chicago Cubs system when he came over in the trade that sent pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor to the Cubs, and he had an OPS of .929 at Double-A, then homered in each of his first three games at Triple-A Syracuse. 

He could wind up being the Mets’ second baseman next season, and third base is a possibility if Bo Bichette opts out of his contract. His best long-term fit is at third, but given Semien’s offensive issues this year he could start in place of current second baseman Marcus Semien given the Mets' need for offense. 

Jonathan Santucci, LHP

Santucci is the No. 2 prospect in the Mets system, and he posted 43 strikeouts in 34-1/3 innings at Syracuse. His issue is his walk rate, which has gone up as he’s climbed the ladder in the minors. That’s derailed prospects like Jack Wenninger and Jonah Tong, but he’ll get a shot at becoming a starter when he comes to spring training — along with 10-12 other pitchers, according to DiComo. Another issue that could delay his arrival is the youth in the Mets rotation, as they may choose to add a prominent veteran to balance things out going into next season. 

Emilien Pitre, 2B

Pitre gets lumped in with fellow prospect Mitch Voit at second, but both he and Voit could possibly wind up competing with Rojas for time at second. Pitre also has Triple-A experience, which Voit doesn’t have yet, so he has an advantage there. He was acquired in the trade that sent right-hander Freddy Peralta to Tampa Bay, and the scouting report on Pitre gives him a safe floor as a bench player in the big leagues, according to DiComo. Pitre doesn’t provide much power, but there’s an opportunity for him given how many infielders the Mets auditioned to find a utility player behind their regulars.