The New York Mets must call up these two top prospects in their organization this September.
No matter how things go for them in the next few weeks, it would serve the New York Mets to call up a pair of top prospects in their organization this September.
New York is in the midst of a three-team race in the NL East standings. With the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves playing better baseball of late, the Mets find themselves in third place in the midst of their mid-August swoon. While it looks like only one of these three division rivals is getting into the postseason, the Mets have the on-field talent to avoid a total collapse.
If the Mets do call up some of their top prospects this September, these two should be included.
New York Mets: 2 top prospects to call up in September
Khalil Lee’s power, arm and speed will be a welcomed addition to the outfield
Though outfielder Khalil Lee has already made his MLB debut this season for the Mets, he could be of great service to them come September. Lee was a former third-round pick out of high school by the Kansas City Royals organization. While he had been in the Kansas City farm system prior to this year, Lee was already on the brink towards making his Mets debut earlier in the 2021 season.
Lee debuted on May 17 for the Mets. While he was only 1-for-18 at the plate during his first 11 games at the big-league level, Lee has hit .271 at Triple-A Syracuse this season. He is the Mets’ No. 6 prospect, blessed with an above-average arm and fielding abilities. While he may be sub-par from an average standpoint in the batter’s box, he does offer MLB-level power from the outfield.
Once rosters expand in September, expect Lee to be among the Mets’ farmhands to play the rest of the regular season at the big-league level. He can come off the bench to pinch run, pinch hit or be a defensive substitution, as well as getting the occasional spot-start in the outfield. New York traded for Lee this past winter because the Mets think he can make their 25-man roster in 2022.
While Lee’s return to the Mets will be anticipated, one other prospect may make his MLB debut.
Brett Baty has hit well at Double-A Binghamton during the minor league season
While Lee has already made his Mets debut, there is a chance we could see third baseman Brett Baty get called up to the big show in September. Baty is the Mets’ No. 4 overall prospect. He was drafted by New York out of high school in the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft. The former No. 12 overall pick is having a great year at the plate split between Single-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton.
Baty is hitting .291 on the season, and has certainly held his own since being promoted to Double-A. He has .250 batting average, three home runs and 14 runs batted in during his 22 games with the Rumble Ponies. While his estimated time of arrival at the big-league level is not until next season, he could be one of the players getting called up in September, even if it is a cup of coffee.
Again, this is all about getting the MLB jitters out of his system before making his triumphant return to the big leagues at some point during next season. His power at the plate is his best attribute, in addition to his arm. While he is below-average on the base path, Baty projects as an above-average major-league hitter. He may be a tad raw, but he could earn this big opportunity.
What other top prospects will the Mets look at calling up to the big-league roster in September?