Mets prospect Kevin Parada: 2 reasons for concern and 2 reasons for optimism

Second reason for optimism: the offensive numbers at Maimonides Park are historically bad.

From watching baseball all of our lives, we know every ballpark has different characteristics that favor either offense, defense, or pitching. The Mets have historically hit better on the road since Citi Field opened in 2009. We remember David Wright's home run total falling from 33 in 2008 to just 10 in 2009. We also recall Curtis Granderson's struggles without the short porch of Yankee Stadium in 2014. While the splits are not as drastic since the outfield fences have been moved multiple times in the mid-to-late 2010s, Citi Field is still a pitcher's ballpark.

The minor leagues have this difference as well, except it is not due to the dimensions of a ballpark. The Pacific Coast League in AAA is known for its home runs because of the difference in air thickness and altitude playing in Las Vegas as opposed to New York. However, Maimonides Park has the opposite effect as the wind pattern off the coast of Coney Island prevents many home runs from being hit.

While Parada's home run total was just 14 at High-A Brooklyn, there is optimism from the Mets that playing at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton will correct his approach. The drop in offensive totals in Brooklyn is not just singular to Parada. In 2021, Ronny Mauricio hit .222 with 7 home runs in Brooklyn, while also hitting .275 with 13 home runs on the road. Furthermore, Alvarez hit .225 with 11 home runs in Brooklyn, while hitting .313 with 13 home runs on the road. Even Brett Baty in 2021 hit just .217 with 2 home runs in Brooklyn while slugging .366 with 5 home runs on the road. For this reason, evaluators believe Parada will have an increase in production playing at Mirabito Stadium.