NY Mets spring training roster: 1 hitting prospect with pressure to prove he belongs

The New York Mets have officially announced their spring training roster, a blend of established veterans and highly touted prospects. While names like Jett Williams and Drew Gilbert generate excitement for the future, another group of prospects arrives with a different kind of pressure.

Among those who haven't yet lived up to the hype is Kevin Parada. The former first-round pick enters camp with a critical need to prove he belongs.

Kevin Parada faces make-or-break spring as Mets camp opens

Parada's pre-draft scouting reports painted a picture of an offensive powerhouse. Projected as high as the sixth overall pick, he surprisingly fell to the Mets at 11. Scouts lauded his offensive approach, describing him as an offensive-minded catcher who set a school record with 26 home runs that spring. His ability to use the whole field and his natural feel for the barrel made many believe he was a future star.

Entering the Mets' minor league system, Parada was instantly anointed the organization's No. 3 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. However, the lofty expectations quickly collided with reality.  

Parada's star dimmed as he struggled mightily in the minors, losing his blue-chip status and tumbling down the organizational rankings to No. 25. His 2024 season was particularly concerning, as he slashed a dismal .214/.304/.359/.663 with 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and a troubling 153 strikeouts in 398 at-bats.

While Parada's raw power remains evident, his offensive struggles and poor plate approach have cast a long shadow over his future. Concerns about his below-average arm and pitch-framing abilities, initially secondary because of the anticipated strength of his bat, have now become significant liabilities.

Now, as the 2025 spring training camp opens, the spotlight is firmly on Parada. He needs to demonstrate significant improvement, showcasing the offensive prowess that made him a first-round pick.

This spring training isn't just another camp for Parada; it's a crucial test. He must prove that he can still be a valuable contributor to the Mets' future, whether as a key player, a trade asset, or even a backup catcher. Time is running out for Parada to recapture the promise that once surrounded him, and this spring will likely determine his path forward.