Harvey, Flores, and other Mets notes for the start of spring training

5 of 5

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; USA pitcher

Noah Syndergaard

throws a pitch during the first inning of the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Who are the prospects that should be watched?

Obviously everyone will have their eyes on Noah Syndergaard, since he’s the closest one to the majors right now. One can argue that he’s been Major League ready since the end of last season. He’ll start the year off in Las Vegas, but will most likely be called up in May or June.

Other prospects that were invited to spring training that should be paid attention to: Steven Matz, Jack Leathersich, Kevin Plawecki, Brandon Nimmo, and Matt Reynolds.

Matz is another name that is turning some heads around the league. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2010, many believed his career would be short-lived. However, he recovered rather remarkably and impressed scouts in A-ball before pitching lights out in Binghamton.

He’s also expected to start the year off in Las Vegas and might even be called up in September.

Leathersich has bounced around AA and AAA ball for the past two seasons, but showed success in Binghamton. He’s struggled in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but saw his numbers improve in Las Vegas last season. In 2013, Leathersich has a 7.76 ERA in 29 innings with 29 BB and 29 Ks. Last season, he had a 5.40 ERA in 8.1 innings with 7 BB and 14 Ks.

He spent most of his time in Binghamton to get his control worked out and will most likely spend most of the year in Las Vegas.

Three hitting prospects, Plawecki, Nimmo, and Reynolds all could grab a roster spot in Flushing in 2016. Plawecki, a catcher, and Reynolds, an infielder, will start in Las Vegas this season and both have shown steady improvement in each of their season in the Mets farm system.

Nimmo was tearing the cover off the ball in A ball for the past two seasons. He was called up to Binghamton last year and was having a hard time adjusting to the league, but was able to turn his season around in the second half.

Look for Nimmo to start the year in Binghamton before getting called up to Las Vegas during the summer.