NY Mets prospect Carlos Cortes is clearing his path to the major leagues

A lot of attention on the New York Mets farm system this year is in Single-A over in Brooklyn. The Cyclones employ several notable Mets prospects. One level up and a few miles north, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies are getting an exceptional start from second baseman turned left fielder Carlos Cortes.

Cortes caught the attention of many of us from his hot performance in the Australian League last year. This season, now back in the states and with a new primary position, Cortes is clearing his path to the major leagues.

Through 36 games and 143 at-bats, Cortes is slashing .287/.352/.531 with 6 home runs and 15 doubles. While the numbers may not lead the league, Cortes is exceeding what many higher ranking Mets prospects have accomplished in the early part of the season.

Carlos Cortes is a viable outfield option for the Mets in the coming years, but also a guy other teams could look to trade for

As a left fielder, the path to get to the major leagues is much clearer than if Cortes remained at second base. We can appreciate what Dominic Smith has done in left field for the club this year. However, the preferred position for him remains first base with Pete Alonso as the DH.

Cortes is likely not going to see any major league action until at least next year. Despite the Mets’ desperation for outfielder help in 2021, he’s not quite ready to make it to the show. A little more seasoning will do him good.

At 5’7, Cortes is small for a baseball player let alone an outfielder. His future may eventually lead him back to the infield, possibly even with another organization.

As we near the trade deadline, it’s guys like Cortes who could capture the attention of other organizations. Cortes has never been highly ranked on any prospect list. He’s outperforming expectations which should surely catch the eye of teams looking to make a deal with the Amazins this July.

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The exact role Cortes could play on a major league roster has yet to be defined. An ability to play multiple positions, however, will give him an advantage. Could he end up as a Marwin Gonzalez-type? If so, the Mets may want to hold onto this potential gem as a profitable bench piece. Pair his exceptional versatility with Luis Guillorme and the team from Flushing may have some of the best depth imaginable.