2 Mets minor leaguers whose stock went up in spring training, 2 who saw theirs drop

New York Mets spring training flew by. Very little competition to speak of, one storyline for fans to follow was a closer look at some of the prospects who joined them in camp. Not too many received extensive playing time. Nonetheless, there was some movement in terms of excitement both positively and negatively.

These two Mets minor leaguers raised their stock. Meanwhile, these other two lowered theirs even if it was only temporary.

Top Mets pitching prospect Christian Scott raised his stock in a major way

Christian Scott is the top Mets pitching prospect according to nearly every list you’ll see. His breakout season in 2023 already raised his stock to the point where some top prospect lists even include him within the top 100. His rise continued this spring with a solid showing.

Scott’s spring included 5 innings, 8 strikeouts, and a 3.60 ERA. Batters hit .167 against him. His start on March 20 versus the Miami Marlins accounted for 4 of his innings. Only a pair of hits, no walks, and 7 strikeouts highlighted that day.

Scott is destined to make his MLB debut sooner rather than later. A little further behind on the depth chart than Jose Butto and maybe even Joey Lucchesi whose MLB experience has them further ahead, Scott is more likely a later season or emergency call-up option for the Mets. 

Of course, if the Mets fail to contend, Scott could get a more extensive look later in the year post-trade deadline. With a good majority of their pitchers on expiring contracts, we’d have to expect several to get traded. This opens up an opportunity for Scott in August and September. 

A more positive alternative could have Scott coming up much like Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz did in 2015. That’s the dream, isn’t it?

Mets lefty reliever Nate Lavender is on everyone’s radar

If Nate Lavender didn’t catch your attention last year, he’s a name you’re now familiar with. The lefty showcased his abilities in front of a larger audience this spring. Although the anticipation for Scott is much larger, Lavender has the clearer path to major league action.

In only 3 innings of work, Lavender struck out 7 batters. He didn’t allow a hit or a walk. Lavender was as immaculate as it gets. Cries for him to make the Opening Day roster didn’t fall on deaf ears. It was just not part of the plan. 

Destined to spend at least a little time in the minors, Lavender should be more than an option to replace Brooks Raley or Jake Diekman on the roster. He excelled last year against lefties and righties. He’s not just a southpaw replacement for an injured lefty.

A catchy name to go along with this dazzling spring performance should have him coming up constantly in conversations among Mets fans if any of the relievers falter. The great part about it is he’s not some scrapheap pickup like many bullpen additions tend to be. Lavender is homegrown and a guy who could end up as an asset for many more years to come.

Mets minor league pitcher Hunter Parsons isn’t someone we’re eager to see again

The Mets used Hunter Parsons a lot during spring training. Not so much a prospect but perhaps someone they’re hoping can offer a few innings, he failed to impress.

Appearing in 4.1 innings spanning 7 different appearances, Parsons left spring training with a 12.46 ERA. He had some good strikeout numbers, 7 total, but a 2.77 WHIP and .455 batting average against shows he isn’t in the discussion to rise up fast and become a consideration for the major league bullpen.

Parsons wasn’t a mess in every appearance. In fact, only two of his appearances included runs against him. Each came versus the St. Louis Cardinals. However, three of his appearances only included a third of an inning and the last involved him striking out the side around two hits against the New York Yankees.

Parsons is a 19th round draft pick so to even get to the point of reaching Triple-A last year is an accomplishment. Big strikeout numbers (10.8 per 9) but also too many walks (4.6 per 9) does have him fitting into the equation of the types of arms the big league club added this offseason. Working against him is only a 4.19 ERA in the minors. If guys on the farm can hit him this well, we’d have to expect big leagues to have no issue.

Keep an eye on Parsons. Don’t anticipate we see him too soon, if at all.