2 Mets prospect who will move up the rankings, 1 who will move down

3. Kevin Parada will move down

The Mets used both of their 2022 first-round picks on players with offensive upside. One of those picks was Texas high-schooler Jett Williams, who figures to become the Mets’ best prospect in 2024. The other was on Georgia Tech product Kevin Parada, an offensive-minded catcher who was on the fast track to the major leagues. In limited action with the St. Lucie Mets in 2022, Parada hit .275 with 8 RBI in 13 games.

Parada spent most of his 2023 season with the Brooklyn Cyclones, where he hit .265 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI. His most impressive statistic was his 21 doubles in just 87 games, showing his power is not just a rumor from the scouting department. After spending a short stint on the injured list, Parada was promoted to Binghamton to join the likes of Acuna, Gilbert, Stuart, and Blade Tidwell in their playoff push. In a short sample size at AA, Parada hit just .188 with 3 home runs in 14 games.

While Parada has shown tremendous power ability, his strikeout rate and defensive ability have raised concerns in the front office. Parada struck out 126 times in 105 games at the lower levels of the minor leagues last season and does not possess great arm strength. With Francisco Alvarez taking the mantle at catcher, Parada’s only path to the majors for the Mets would be as a DH or first baseman. Given these statistics and scenarios, Parada’s status as a top-five prospect for the Mets may regress in 2024.