NY Mets prospect has lived up to his reputation this spring, just not in the best way

Too early for conclusions, early enough for assumptions, what we’ve seen from certain New York Mets players this spring is a large enough sample to get an idea of what they can bring. Unfortunately for prospects just getting a quick gaze, many have secured their place within the minor league system.

This includes Ryan Clifford who has lived up to his reputation. 0 for 11 with 5 strikeouts and 3 walks, the all-or-nothing style of offense has played out exactly as one might assume it would.

Clifford’s time in High-A and Double-A resulted in extremely identical numbers, a .236 and .237 batting average along with an exact .357 OBP match. His eye isn’t in question. It’s making contact enough against higher quality pitching which can be the hurdle to climb.

Ryan Clifford has reminded the Mets this spring he needs more time in the minors

At best, Clifford would be a midseason call-up for the Mets to provide them with additional depth at two positions where they’re already pretty crowded. First base and the corner outfield is where he calls home.

The Mets have more candidates at those two positions out of the gate than there is room to play. It’s going to have to take the right circumstance for him to ever break free and get any amount of significant playing time.

In a small sample at the end of last year, Clifford slashed .219/.359/.395 in Triple-A. He added 5 home runs in those 142 plate appearances. His 35 strikeouts weren’t extreme. The 22 walks helped make up for the shortcomings in other areas as it has for much of his professional career.

Clifford has crazy power, smashing 29 home runs in total last year plus another 23 doubles. He’ll need to lean on that aspect heavily to ever have any sort of significant major league role for the Mets or anyone else. 

The “Adam Dunn aspect” of Clifford’s numbers are there, but here’s the troubling part: Dunn was much different in the minor leagues. He was a .304/.425/.525 hitter in the minor leagues. Different era, yes, it’s worth noting if for no other reason than to remind everyone how different someone can be from the minors to the majors.

Cutting down on the Ks would be nice for Clifford, but all he really has to do is keep translating those similar numbers from one level to the next. He doesn’t need to be more than .240 hitter with 30+ home run potential. It’s making that leap to the majors and continuing it that’ll be the challenge.

A hitless dozen-plus plate appearances in the spring won’t have the Mets readjusting Clifford’s place within the organization. This is probably what he’s meant to do. Just wait for the game when he goes yard twice. It’s in there.