New York Mets: Speedy Andres Gimenez is exactly what they need

Andres Gimenez could become a future star with the New York Mets. Maybe more important than his own stardom is how he could bring speed to a franchise in desperate need of some quickness.

New York Mets prospect Andres Gimenez won’t see big league action for at least a few more years. At best, we see him deliver good numbers in 2019 at the Double-A and Triple-A level before making his big league debut at some point in 2020.

It’s a very appropriate year for Gimenez to reach the show. Someone with 20/20 vision sees perfectly. Gimenez relates to this because he would fit in perfectly with this team’s needs.

You don’t need a radar gun to know the Mets run slowly. Specifically, it’s the stolen base department where they come up short.

Gimenez could have a massive impact in this regard. The organization’s number one prospect managed to swipe 38 bags this year, possibly setting the table for a nice surge of stolen bases when he finally does reach the big leagues.

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Speed is one thing that doesn’t change from one level to the next. Stolen base numbers may decline due to the improvement of the pitchers and catchers. Guys who swipe dozens of bases in the minor leagues also have an easier time finding their chances because they will typically hit for a higher average on the farm.

While we shouldn’t expect Gimenez to set any records with stolen bases, once he does adapt to big league pitching he could become a real threat on the base paths. His 38 stolen bases took place over 122 games. In a 162 game season at the MLB level, he should have no problem reaching at least 30.

In their recent successful seasons, the Mets did it without much speed. No one on the 2016 team made it to 10 stolen bases. When they made their trip to the World Series in 2015, Curtis Granderson led the way with only 11.

Power has been the priority on offense for this ball club for several seasons now. Hoping to win with their pitching, a perfect game for the Mets would include seven strong innings from the starter and two home runs.

This organization has gotten away from small ball tactics. As a whole, baseball has as well.

When we finally do get to see Gimenez play in the major leagues, we’ll see yet another player with the same set of skills as Amed Rosario.

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Hopefully, Gimenez uses his speed more than Rosario has. If so, the Mets can get back to the basics of using more than one way to win a game.

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