Like many teams, the New York Mets have invested heavily in international players. The market has been redefined in recent years, and it’s now an important part of every team’s prospect pipeline. Some are signed to big deals while they're teenagers, but often the ones who are most successful come from out of nowhere once they enter the developmental process after they're signed.
It’s also very volatile, though, which is why it’s a good idea to take an occasional snapshot and see who’s doing what. John Wolff of Rising Apple took a run at this today, and here are the names he came up with as players who could have a breakout year in 2026, albeit at the lower levels of the Mets’ farm system, most likely in rookie leagues or at the Single A level.
Heriberto Rincon, outfielder. Rincon was signed in January of 2023, and this year he showed out for the Mets entry in the Dominican Summer League. Rincón slashed .314/.383/.821 over 185 at-bats, and he had 16 extra-base hits with a strikeout rate of just 15 percent. He also drove in 27 runs and scored 42 to go with 34 stolen bases, which is an offensive profile that bears watching.
Edward Lantigua, outfielder. Lantigua is also 19, and he was signed in January of 2024. He made the jump from the DSL to the Florida Complex League, where he slashed .288/.433/.832 over 153 at-bats with 27 RBIs and 23 runs scored, so he’s another guy with a strong offensive profile.
Jose Chirinos, pitcher. Chirinos is a little older at 21, and he started in the DSL, then split time between the Florida Complex League and Single A St. Lucie. His overall numbers included a 3.01 ERA, and he struck out 73 in 71-2/3 innings. He’s had some control issues, but the basic talent is there.
Josmir Reyes, catcher. What stands out about the 19-year old Reyes is how accomplished his offensive approach is, especially for a backstop. Reyes slashed.300/.426/.906 across 150 at-bats, and he drove in in 28 runs while scoring 28 more.
Osiris Calvo, pitcher. Calvo was named Dominican Academy Pitcher of the Year as he returned from an injury to have considerable success. In 2025 he looked both healthy and effective, posting a 2.51 ERA across 43 innings. In addition, Calvo allowed just 33 hits and nine walks while striking out 45, holding hitters to a .206 average and a .281 slugging percentage.