Mets prospect Andres Gimenez no longer the heir to shortstop

For several months it looked like Andres Gimenez could take the New York Mets shortstop job within a year. After a rough 2019 campaign, his future is less certain.

According to MLB.com, New York Mets shortstop prospect Andres Gimenez is still considered a top 100 farmhand. However, he has since been passed by another player at his position, Ronny Mauricio. At number 84 just ahead of 2019 first-round pick Brett Baty, Mauricio is the current number one prospect in the team’s system.

The change makes sense. Mauricio has hit well in Single-A while Gimenez has not done the same this year at Double-A. The difference isn’t drastic, but at least according to the evaluators, it’s worth swapping them on the prospect depth chart and even dropping Gimenez near the bottom of the top 100 list.

For Gimenez, the change is a big one. He’s looking more expendable than ever. This time last year, the beginning talks of potentially moving big league shortstop Amed Rosario to center field began. Those suggestions picked up earlier this season as Rosario floundered on defense. His recent improvements could cause a position change delay with Gimenez possibly having to undertake one of his own if he’s going to receive significant playing time at the major leagues.

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Another possibility, we see the Mets trade Gimenez for another position of need. Let’s not negate the fact that he’s still in the top 100 which is certainly a worthy accomplishment.

Gimenez is valued, has a possible bright future ahead, and is one fantastic year in the minor leagues away from becoming the “can’t miss prospect” some were beginning to believe he was just last season.

If there’s one area the Mets minor league system lacks, it’s the outfield. Their highest rated outfield prospect is 18th in the system. None of those top minor league outfielders are close to a big league debut either.

Where the Mets do have depth is at shortstop. Along with Gimenez and Mauricio, the team has Shervyen Newton. Newton has become more of a utility infielder than straight shortstop. This is one direction the Mets could go with Gimenez should they view him as a big league contributor in the future.

At the conclusion of the 2018 season, Gimenez was ranked as the 55th best prospect in baseball. Now barely on the list of the top names yet to surpass their rookie status, it’s beginning to look like the organization could go in a different direction at the shortstop position. Whether they stick with Rosario or plan for a future with Mauricio, Gimenez has plenty more to prove before the carpet is rolled out for him.

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We’ve seen Brodie Van Wagenen trade away top Mets prospects before. If I had to guess, the rise of Mauricio can give him the excuse to do it again. This time, it’s Gimenez they could shop.