All grades are subject to change.You can find a full listing of the Top 50 Prospects of 2011 Archive Page.

QUICK PRIMER ON GRADE MEANINGS:

Grade A prospects are the elite. They have a good chance of becoming stars or superstars. Almost all Grade A prospects develop into major league regulars, if injuries or other problems don’t intervene. Note that is a major “if” in some cases.

Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.

Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for. A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Many end up as role players or bench guys. Some don’t make it at all.
-John Sickels

1. Jenrry Mejia | SP | AAA | Age – 21 | Drafted – IFA 2006 (B+)

Mejia’s potential was obvious with his numbers in the minors as he was absolutely dominant in his 7 starts.  This was just another case where Omar and Jerry screwed up by rushing a player to quick to the majors.  Flashes of his plus stuff could be seen out of the bullpen, but he was extremely inconsistent which is expected from a player so young.  He will benefit greatly from more time in the minors as Terry Collins has suggested he will get.

Best Case Outcome – Top of the rotation starter
More Likely Outcome – Good #3/Closer


2. Wilmer Flores | SS | HiA | Age – 19 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (B+)

Flores has been nothing but spectacular since joining the Mets system.  He has hit at every level the Mets have placed him at and done so with great plate discipline for a young player.  About the only thing you could complain about at this point is his defense.  His power seems to be developing as expected, but I would like to see some more homers this year.

Best Case Outcome – Run producing cleanup hitter
More Likely Outcome – Above average #5/6 hitter

3. Matt Harvey | SP | College | Age – 21 | Drafted – 1st Round 2010 (B)

Harvey has some big time power stuff on the mound with the workhouse body to boot.  If his command can hold up he has the potential to be a big impact starter on the mound.  That is a big “if”.  His power sinker in Citi Field could be a great combination.

Best Case Outcome – #2 starter
Most Likely Outcome – Innings eating #3/4 starter

*No stats*

4. Aderlin Rodriguez | 3B | LoA | Age – 19 | Drafted – IFA 2008 (B)

Rodriguez slugged his way all the way up this list in 2010. He made the Appy League pitching look silly hitting 13 home runs and 22 doubles for a .556 SLG%. It appears like the slow approach the Mets have decided to take with Rodriguez is paying off. About time they learned their lesson.

Best Case Outcome – All-Star slugging 3rd baseman
Most Likely Outcome – Above average power hitting 3rd baseman

5. Reese Havens | 2B | AA | Age – 24 | Drafted – 1st Round 2008 (B)

This is a bit of an aggressive ranking for Havens, but I have no doubt in my mind had it not been for the injuries he would be ranked at the top of this list.  During his time on the field his stats are just insane.  Those numbers from a 2nd baseman are hard to come by.

Best Case Outcome – All-Star second baseman
Most Likely Outcome – League average second baseman

6. Fernando Martinez | OF | AAA | Age – 24 | Drafted – IFA 2005 (B-)

I am still a fan of Martinez although the continuing injuries and arthritis in his knee is a bit worrisome.  He still has some potential, but in my opinion is never going to live up to the “Teenage Hitting Machine” nickname.  If there was ever a time for him to have a big season it is now with Carlos Beltran’s contract ending this season and a spot opening up in the outfield.

Best Case Outcome – Above-average outfielder
Most Likely Outcome – League average outfielder

7. Cory Vaughn | OF | SSA | Age – 21 | Drafted – 3rd Round 2010 (B-)

Although he slowed down as the season went on Vaughn had a huge debut for the Cyclones. He displayed better plate discipline than reported before the draft. His splits are pretty stark, but he isn’t awful against right hand pitching so I am not too worried about that yet.

Best Case Outcome – Very good all-around outfielder
Most Likely Outcome – Average outfielder with good defense

8. Cesar Puello | OF | SSA | Age – 19 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (B-)

The young Puello began to put together his tremendous tools last season in Savannah.  Given free reign on the base paths Puello showed his exceptional speed swiping 45 bags.  The power was down from last year, but the improved discipline and speed made up for it.  Still has a lot of room to breakout this year.

Best Case Outcome – Run creating speedster with great defense
Most Likely Outcome - Below average hitter with great defensive value

9. Jeurys Familia | SP | HiA | Age – 21 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (C+)

I am overlooking his ERA somewhat because although it was ugly he had a much better FIP (3.89) and had great strikeout and ground ball numbers. Familia’s key to success will be controlling his 100 mph heat because walks were his killer all season. An inflated BABIP and questionably low LOB% keep me optimistic about his future.

Best Case Outcome – #2/3 starter/closer
Most Likely Outcome - #4/5 starter or middle reliever

10. Kirk Nieuwenhuis | OF | AAA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 3rd Round 2008 (C+)

I was not a big fan when I first saw him, but Nieuwenhuis has slowly turned me into a believer. He has solid speed and power, but no outstanding tools. His defense is average and his key will always be if he can begin to handle the high and inside fastball.

Best Case Outcome – Average outfielder with some real good seasons (Aaron Rowand)
Most Likely Outcome - Bench or platoon outfielder