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MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help the Mets in 2019

By William Schneiderhan

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Andres Gimenez #72 of the New York Mets poses for a photo on Photo Day at First Data Field on February 21, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Andres Gimenez #72 of the New York Mets poses for a photo on Photo Day at First Data Field on February 21, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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LAKELAND, FL – MARCH 01: Andres Gimenez #72 of the New York Mets bats during the Spring Training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 1, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida. The Mets defeated the Tigers 7-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL – MARCH 01: Andres Gimenez #72 of the New York Mets bats during the Spring Training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 1, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida. The Mets defeated the Tigers 7-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

3. Andres Gimenez, Shortstop

As far as high profile prospects go, Andres Gimenez is the only player listed who falls into that category. He is currently ranked 55th in MLB’s top 100 prospects, and he is also the seventh-ranked shortstop prospect in baseball behind the likes of Bo Bichette, Brendan Rodgers and mega-prospect Fernando Tatis Jr.

That’s not bad company to be in by any means. Yes, the Mets currently have a log jam of middle infielders, and Amed Rosario has the shortstop position locked up for the near, and possibly long-term, future.

So, how would Gimenez help the club in 2019? As a second basemen. We have seen Jed Lowrie already go down, leaving Robinson Cano as the starter and Luis Guillorme as the backup. Jeff McNeil, who played second base last season, has been playing outfield and third base.

Gimenez played some second base during the Arizona Fall League. There has been some indication that his glove is Major League ready, but when you look at his numbers you can tell his bat is still a bit behind the Major League level.

There is no doubt Gimenez needs more time and the Mets should not, and probably will not, force him through the system unless it’s absolutely necessary (see Michael Conforto in 2015). However, if his bat plays well in the Minors and someone goes down, he can be plugged in at second base in 2019.

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