Upcoming Rule 5 draft could force the NY Mets into a tough call on speedy prospect

Prospect depth sounds like a blessing until it starts feeling like a balancing act. For the New York Mets, that balance might soon tip with Nick Morabito, a gifted outfielder who’s done just enough to matter and not quite enough to fit. His solid minor league career has turned heads across the league, and now his name hovers in that uneasy space between “valuable asset” and “possible departure.”

The Arizona Fall League isn’t what’s defining him; it’s merely extending the question. Morabito has the skills teams covet — speed, defense, and an eye that gets him on base — but he’s tucked behind a logjam of outfield prospects about to make their own push. As the Rule 5 Draft inches closer, the Mets face a choice that could turn quiet potential into preventable loss.

The Mets’ depth might force an unexpected move with prospect Nick Morabito

A .273 batting average with a .348 OBP and a wRC+ of 119 (weighted runs created - 100 is league average) at Double-A Binghamton shows Morabito is a productive, well-rounded player. He stole 49 bases while primarily patrolling centerfield, demonstrating the speed and base-running instincts that make him a multi-dimensional asset. Across four minor league seasons, he has posted a .381 OBP and a .291 batting average, highlighting a consistent ability to get on base and contribute offensively.

Heading into this offseason, the Mets’ top-rated farm system presents a challenge. Several high-level prospects occupy similar positions and skill sets, including Carson Benge, Jett Williams, and AJ Ewing in the outfield, with others like Jacob Reimer also in the mix. Combined with the major league roster, it’s unlikely that all these players will find a clear path to the big leagues, leaving Morabito’s role uncertain.

The Rule 5 Draft protection deadline in mid-November adds urgency. Without being added to the 40-man roster, Morabito could be selected by another team. He brings a combination of offensive skills, speed, and solid defensive tools in the outfield that make him attractive, but roster limitations make it unlikely the Mets will protect him, creating a real possibility of losing him for nothing.

Given this context, a trade could be the most practical solution. With Morabito showing promise and a skill set valuable to other teams, GM David Stearns might consider a package highlighted by him to upgrade the club and avoid the risk of losing him in the Rule 5 Draft. This approach would convert potential roster congestion into tangible value.

Morabito’s situation is a textbook case of value meeting opportunity. The Mets could gamble on roster congestion, or they could turn it into a negotiating point. Trading him now would convert potential risk into a tangible upgrade, ensuring his talent benefits the organization rather than slipping through the cracks. In baseball, timing often matters as much as talent, and the clock is ticking.