Scouting Book: Top Mets Baseball Prospects for 2008-2009

Top New York Mets Prospects for 2008-2009

As always, our Prospect Rankings change very often, to reflect the latest and most promising prospects for the new season as the season approaches. We consider a prospect's chances to impact the team most, soonest as our biggest priority, and while our rankings incorporate opinions from other publications, we adjust to emphasize likely fantasy production. If, after considering all that, you still disagree with where we've placed these players, check back tomorrow: these listings update every day as we include new input and MLB situations evolve.

Our 7 Top Mets Prospects for Late 2008 and 2009

Current Overall SB ranking for 2008 shown in parentheses.

1. Fernando Martinez

OF, NYM (#16 overall)

When the Mets assigned Martinez to be the youngest prospect to attend the Arizona Fall League, many were left skeptical of the Mets' chances at maximizing their value with the phenom. After all, in his final 15 games in the Florida State League, Martinez had gone 9-for-57 with three extra-base hits and 13 strikeouts.

However, injuries had kept Martinez inactive for much of his first full season, so the AFL presented an opportunity for consistent playing time. Martinez significantly responded, displaying huge power potential from the left side.

It appears the Mets know how to handle the teenager, who could use some time in the weight room and some improvements against southpaws to take the next step in 2008. The idea of Martinez and crosstown phenom Tabata reaching New York at the same time almost seems too good to be true, but the Mets haven't been this excited about an outfielder in a very long while.

More Scouting Book Info on Fernando Martinez >

SB #16 | BA #20 | BP #51 | ML #17 | SN unranked | ES #0 | SI n/a

2. Ike Davis

1B, NYM (#88 overall)

Ike is a legitimate threat to hit 40 homers in the big leagues, and the Mets are one of the best places for a young first baseman to be right now. His refined college approach to the strike zone means he should do it without Howardesque strikeout numbers. One of the 2008 draft's most polished picks, Davis could be ready as soon as 2009.

More Scouting Book Info on Ike Davis >

3. Mike Carp

1B, NYM (#115 overall)

A power hitter who swings hard and misses often, Carp is also saddled with horrendous L-R splits. In 2007 he hit only .238 with just three home runs (in 151 at-bats) vs LHP.

Since his defense is unspectacular and he has no special baserunning ability, Carp needs to figure out how to hit lefties if he's ever going to be anything other than a reserve or platoon player. He's likely to get one last chance with the Mets in AAA this year, but if he does not perform, don't expect to see him on any prospect lists next season.

More Scouting Book Info on Mike Carp >

4. Jon Niese

LHP, NYM (#131 overall)

A wiry left-hander with a deadly curve, Jon Niese is a dark-horse pitching prospect who has a shot at the Mets rotation in 2009. A graduate of the same high school as Chad Billingsley, Niese will start 2008 at AA, but he has the maturity and guile to move up quickly. He has a nice fastball and a heavy sinker, but he needs another year or two to refine his other pitches. If he can do that, he might be a front-of-rotation starter, though he could help out in the bullpen or back-end long before that.

More Scouting Book Info on Jon Niese >

5. Nick Evans

1B, NYM (#133 overall)

The Mets 5th round selection in the 2004 amateur draft, Evans always put up solid numbers, but really broke open in the summer of 2007. Firmly taking hold of his future as middle of the order power bat, Evans hit .286/.374/.476 in 378 ABs for St. Lucie.

His blossoming as a power threat has scouts not only relisting him over the Mets other 1B prospect, Mike Carp... they're looking at a 30-homer, 100RBI future in the middle of the Mets lineup.

More Scouting Book Info on Nick Evans >

6. Reese Havens

SS, NYM (#194 overall)

A successful shortstop in college whose range is a bit of a question in pro ball, South Carolina graduate David (Reese) Havens could make a heck of a second baseman for a future Mets infield that already includes two All Stars and the player picked just before him in the 2008 Draft, first baseman Ike Davis. A solid line drive hitter with plus plate discipline, Havens could be a long-term keystone for New York.

More Scouting Book Info on Reese Havens >

7. Bradley Holt

RHP, NYM (#237 overall)

A powerful righthander who slipped to the Mets in the supplemental first round of the 2008 draft, Brad Holt brings a big fastball from a big frame. A college pitcher whose shown good composure, he could factor into the shallow Mets rotation as early as 2010.

More Scouting Book Info on Bradley Holt >

Helping you track baseball prospects, sleepers and rookies. (Closers, too!)

Top New York Mets Prospects for 2008-2009

Our 7 Top Mets Prospects for Late 2008 and 2009

1. Fernando Martinez

2. Ike Davis

3. Mike Carp

4. Jon Niese

5. Nick Evans

6. Reese Havens

7. Bradley Holt

Dunn Just Right for Prospects

Adam Dunn Traded for Dallas Buck, Others

And One More Thing...

Prospects, Relievers and Throw-ins are Often Keys to Deadline Deals

Batters Up!

As the Second Half Starts, New Top Prospects Emerge

Second Half Prospects for 2008 and 2009

Midseason Cleanup Underway for Second Half Prospects

< Older Features

< Back to Home Page

Helping you track baseball prospects, sleepers and rookies. (Closers, too!)

Top New York Mets Prospects for 2008-2009

Our 7 Top Mets Prospects for Late 2008 and 2009

1. Fernando Martinez

2. Ike Davis

3. Mike Carp

4. Jon Niese

5. Nick Evans

6. Reese Havens

7. Bradley Holt

Dunn Just Right for Prospects

Adam Dunn Traded for Dallas Buck, Others

And One More Thing...

Prospects, Relievers and Throw-ins are Often Keys to Deadline Deals

Batters Up!

As the Second Half Starts, New Top Prospects Emerge

Second Half Prospects for 2008 and 2009

Midseason Cleanup Underway for Second Half Prospects

< Older Features

< Back to Home Page

Rising and Falling

Recently-Changed Rankings

ScoutingBook's Top Early 2009 Prospects