New York Mets 2019 Prospect Profile: Infielder Jaylen Palmer

Jaylen Palmer isn’t a well-known New York Mets prospect, but this could change in 2019.

Because the New York Mets have been one of the most active teams during this offseason, it is difficult for fans to talk, hear, or read about anything other than the team the organization has built over the last several months.

However, it is always important to think about a team’s future, and the Mets have many good prospects that have serious potential.

Let’s begin with Jaylen Palmer, one of the team’s lesser-known prospects.

The Metropolitans drafted Palmer in the 22nd round of the 2018 MLB draft. He is 18 years old and plays shortstop and third base with the Gulf Coast League squad.

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He attended Holy Cross High School in Flushing, just a few blocks away from Citi Field. Palmer’s natural position is shortstop, but he has played a significant amount of time at third base, as well.

During his time at Holy Cross, Palmer slashed .298/.474/.418 in 52 games played and stole 14 bases. He also boasted a .904 FP. In his first season with the GCL Mets, he slashed .310/.394/.414 with a solid OPS of .808. He had a FP of .952 at shortstop and .889 at third base.

Palmer underwent a late growth spurt, which increased his value to teams such as the Mets. The 18-year-old now stands at 6’3” and weighs 195 pounds.

Palmer is unique in the sense that he grew up as both a Mets and Yankees fan, but models his game after Derek Jeter, who spent the entirety of his career with the team up in the Bronx.

This is ideal, especially since Palmer is the same height and weight as the future Hall of Famer.

Palmer does not hit for power but boasts great speed and makes great contact with pitches. He has already made significant improvements since joining the GCL Mets: we’ve seen his batting average increase and his defensive game has been wonderful. He has a very strong arm and a short, line drive swing, which his high batting average can be attributed to.

Many scouts have noted that even though he is already a great player, he seems to have even more untapped potential. We should expect to see his game at third base improve, which would make Palmer a much more valuable asset.

Versatile players who are great contact hitters and can play several positions such as shortstop and third base well are highly esteemed in baseball.

While we may not hear Palmer’s name for a few years to come, he is a prospect that we should be very excited about. He has spoken highly about the organization and is elated to be a part of this organization.

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Fans are going to love him, especially since he is a hometown kid.

Jaylen Palmer isn’t a well-known New York Mets prospect, but this could change in 2019.

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