Upgrade: Mets To Promote 3 Prospects For Playoff Stretch Run
After a slow start, the New York Mets have fought their way back into playoff contention this season. Despite upgrading at the trade deadline, the team still needs additional depth. Now that the deadline has passed, the Mets should consider promoting three prospects from their farm system to boost their postseason chances.
While promoting prospects for the final stretch is never guaranteed to pay off, the Mets could benefit from adding a strikeout-prone pitcher, a speedy middle infielder, and a versatile left-handed outfielder.
Brandon Sproat, the Mets’ top minor league prospect and ranked 40th in baseball by MLB.com, is a prime candidate for promotion. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft out of the University of Florida, Sproat is known for his high-velocity fastball that can reach the upper 90s and even triple digits. His pitch repertoire also includes an upper-80s changeup and cutter, a mid-80s slider, and a sharp 12-to-6 curveball that can dip into the high 70s.
Sproat is projected to be a starter for the Mets, but his impressive velocity could make him a valuable reliever if called up in September. With the Mets’ bullpen needing extra firepower, Sproat’s ability to reach 100 mph could be a game-changer. While New York added some relief pitchers at the trade deadline, only Phil Maton has made a significant impact. The Mets’ relievers currently rank 17th in ERA, 21st in HR/9, 28th in BB/9, 21st in WHIP, and 18th in FIP.
The Mets’ starting rotation has also struggled, ranking 21st or worse in K/9, WHIP, FIP, and fWAR, and last in BB/9. Sproat, who has mostly been a starter, could provide spot starts and additional bullpen depth.
In his brief professional career, Sproat has shown impressive results. He excelled in A+ ball with a 1.07 ERA, followed by a strong performance in Double-A with a 2.45 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and 77 strikeouts in 62.1 innings. However, he has faced challenges in Triple-A, posting an 8.22 ERA in two starts with the Syracuse Mets.
Brandon Sproat has had a meteoric rise through the Mets’ farm system
If the talented young pitcher adjusts well and returns to dominating hitters, the Mets might consider making the uncommon, but not unprecedented, decision to promote him to the majors. While most first-year prospects are in their late teens and might not be ready for a big league jump, Sproat, at 23, brings valuable experience from multiple years of college baseball.
There’s strong reason to believe he can adapt quickly to Triple-A. In his final start for Double-A Binghamton before his promotion, Sproat struck out 13 batters in five scoreless innings, including 11 consecutive strikeouts.
The Mets have their own Acuna
Luisangel Acuña, the Mets’ 12th-ranked prospect and younger brother of 2023 National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., is considered by his older sibling to be major league-ready. Although Luisangel is four inches shorter and about 25 pounds lighter than Ronald, making him less of a power threat, he excels with his speed. He stole 57 bases in 121 games at Double-A last year and has accumulated 32 steals in 109 games at Triple-A this season.
Acuña’s speed allows him to make an impact once he reaches base. In 2023, he had a .769 OPS and scored 93 runs. However, his numbers have dipped since moving up to Triple-A, where he has a .680 OPS with the Syracuse Mets, although he’s still scored 81 runs. There’s some positive momentum, as he holds a .737 OPS over his last 10 games.
Initially part of the Texas Rangers’ organization, Acuña joined the Mets in the trade that sent Max Scherzer to Texas last season. While his primary position is shortstop due to his speed and arm strength, he has played second base and center field for the Mets, as Francisco Lindor covers shortstop.