3) Kevin Parada
Kevin Parada didn’t have the kind of season Mets fans were hoping for. As committed as most of us are to seeing Francisco Alvarez behind the plate in perpetuity, a big year from Parada would have been greatly appreciated in 2023. It’s not what we got.
Parada saw limited action in 2022 with only 13 games logged. This past year, where he mostly played alongside Ramirez in Brooklyn, he combined to slash .248/.324/.428 with 14 home runs. This includes a .185/.250/.389 stint with Double-A Binghamton where he was greatly outmatched. He struck out 23 times in 60 plate appearances. Going down on strikes was a big issue for him. Unlike a fellow prospect such as Jett Williams who was punched out plenty as well, Parada didn’t have any other notable achievements to help him overcome it.
Because it is the offseason and Parada has been what many consider a tradable asset for the Mets from the moment he was drafted, you’re going to see his name plenty. Sadly, this asset just doesn’t have the greatest value at or behind the plate. He hasn’t received rave reviews as a defensive player. Without a bat to make up for it, what team would even have much interest?