Major League Baseball will be holding a four-day event showcasing the current stars of Minor League Baseball, called MLB Spring Breakout, where 19 of the New York Mets' top 30 prospects will be playing. The Mets will play the Washington Nationals on March 15.
Among the organization's top prospects are Jett Williams, the team's No. 1 prospect, and the players acquired last season at the trade deadline, Drew Gilbert, Ryan Clifford, and Luisangel Acuña. However, other lesser-known figures could show the tools by which they are located in the top 30 of the team, highlighting one player in particular from the infield of the Mets minor leagues.
Mets infielder Jesus Baez is an intriguing option at MLB Spring Breakout
Just 19-year-old Jesus Baez was signed in the international signing period from the Dominican Republic in January 2022. The current No. 21 prospect is recognized by scouts as a possible infielder with power in his contact and outstanding arm.
Despite his profile, Baez has had a hard time adapting to the Florida Complex level, where he had an underachieving performance, posting a wRC+ of just 71 in 2023. However, his power is expected to continue improving as he is generating better results when he pulls towards his gap, and his discipline improved in 2023, an important aspect at his young age. After moving from the Dominican Summer League to the Florida Complex League, the shortstop reduced his strikeout percentage by almost five percentage points.
In an exhibition event like the MLB Spring Breakout, Baez's power and defensive ability will be seen at a higher level of competition against more dominant pitching staffs who will be able to show what this young man is made of. Scouts project the young infielder as a third baseman because of his arm although he has only played shortstop and second base in his short career.