Looking back at the top 10 Mets prospects from 2018

Looking back on 2018, it was certainly far from a bright spot for the New York Mets, finishing 77-85. Despite this, there was a lot to be excited about on the farm at the time. 

2018 Top 10 Mets Prospects (MLB Pipeline)

1) NY Mets prospect Andres Giménez

Giménez had a strong minor league career and quickly rose up to debut for the Mets in 2020. His 2020 season was encouraging, but new owner Steve Cohen needed a win-now move. Giménez was the headliner in the Francisco Lindor trade. While his 2021 for Cleveland was underwhelming, his 2022 was unbelievable, posting an .837 OPS and earning an All-Star nod. 

2) NY Mets prospect David Peterson

While Peterson has shown flashes of Major League quality, he has failed to live up to his potential and stick in the big leagues. Up to this point, Peterson has a career 4.83 ERA in 261 MLB innings, bouncing between AAA and MLB, far from the production the Mets hoped for him. 

3) NY Mets prospect Justin Dunn

Dunn failed to make the majors with the Mets but was an important piece in the Edwin Díaz-Robinson Canó trade. With Seattle, he struggled to stick in the Majors and was later flipped to the Reds for Jesse Winker. In Cincinnati, Dunn struggled to stay healthy and is currently sidelined due to a right shoulder strain. 

4) NY Mets prospect Pete Alonso

Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Alonso quickly rose to be one of the Mets' top offensive prospects, and the rest is history. Ever since his debut in 2019, Alonso has been one of the best power hitters in baseball and by far the Mets’ best hitter, and will hopefully continue to be a Met for years to come. 

5) NY Mets prospect Thomas Szapucki

Szapucki failed to earn a consistent opportunity for the Mets, making one (disastrous) start in 2022. Szapucki was flipped to San Francisco at the 2022 trade deadline for Darin Ruf. Unfortunately, Szapucki recently underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, which has sidelined him for 2023. 

6) NY Mets prospect Mark Vientos

Vientos has always been a hot name on the Mets’ farm. Finally, he got an extended shot with the Mets this season. In that small sample, Vientos has looked promising, delivering an important game-tying two-run homer in the 7th inning vs the Rays. While the jury is still out on Vientos, he has an opportunity to be a difference-maker for the Mets. 

7) NY Mets prospect Desmond Lindsay

Drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2015 Draft, Lindsay was a promising prospect whom the Mets had high hopes for. His 2016 season was incredibly promising, posting an .884 OPS across rookie ball and Brooklyn. However, Lindsay’s production fell off significantly, which led to his release from the organization in 2021. 

8) NY Mets prospect Marcos Molina

Signed in 2012 out of the Dominican Republic, Molina was a promising arm for the Mets. He posted some promising results throughout his career but he consistently struggled with injuries. Currently, Molina is pitching for Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican League. 

9) NY Mets prospect Chris Flexen

Flexen rose from a 14th-round pick to a high-ranked prospect for the Mets, breaking into the MLB in 2017. With the Mets, Flexen struggled immensely and was released by the Mets in 2019. Flexen pitched in Korea in 2020 and earned himself a contract with the Mariners. Between 2021 and 2022, Flexen posted a 3.66 ERA in 317.1 MLB innings. While his 2023 has been lackluster, Flexen has proved to be a reliable arm. 

10) NY Mets prospect Luis Guillorme

A 10th-round pick in the 2013 draft, Guillorme was overlooked for his smaller frame and lack of power. Nonetheless, Guillorme debuted with the Mets in 2018 and carved a role as a utility defensive specialist. While his underwhelming start to 2023 led to his demotion, there’s no doubt that Guillorme provided important value to the Mets.