New York Mets Top Prospects: Checking in on some early starts

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Mets #9 prospect, Chris Flexen

Taken way back in 2012 out of high school with the 440^th overall pick, Chris Flexen had been moving slowly through the Mets farm system. This is mainly due to Tommy John surgery he received in mid-summer 2014 which sidelined him until summer 2015.

Initially, Flexen struggled in his first starts post TJS but put it all together in his last 6 of the 2015 season with Class A Savannah.

It wasn’t until a promotion to AA Binghamton in the middle of 2017 that he showed his prospect potential. In seven starts between June 7^th and July 19^th, Flexen posted a 1.66 ERA with a 50/7 K/BB ratio in 48.2IP.

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Prompted by utter desperation and a lack of present options, the Mets called up the 23-year-old Flexen directly from AA to make his major league debut on July 27^th.

Needless to say, he stunk. In seven starts for the big club, he posted a 7.85ERA while walking more than he struck out. 2018 was more of the same.

After posting an adequate 3.40ERA in 8 starts in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, Flexen was called up for relief depth and proceeded to surrender 7 runs (3 earned), 8 hits and 3 walks in his 57 pitch, 2 innings 2018 debut.

The Mets optioned him back to AAA where they’ll work on improving his outlook at the highest level. He’ll likely be seen again in Queens several times throughout 2018.

The future is bright in Queens with some of the current Mets prospects likely to make a significant impact as soon as this year. Many, however, will need a few more years to develop and you can expect more updates as their careers progress.

Next: Pitching help on the way to the Mets

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