In a proud moment for the New York Mets organization, the 2024 Player Development Award winners were celebrated tonight at Citi Field during a pre-game ceremony ahead of the Mets' 7:10 p.m. matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies.. Outfielder Nick Morabito has been named Player of the Year, and right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat is honored as the Pitcher of the Year. In addition, Edward Lantigua earned the title of Dominican Summer League (DSL) Player of the Year, while Jose Guevara was named DSL Pitcher of the Year. Also recognized were Ches Goodman, who was chosen as Minor League Staff Member of the Year, and Anthony Sambois, who took home the accolade of Dominican Academy Staff Member of the Year.
Nick Morabito: A Season to Remember
Morabito, a 21-year-old outfielder, made a strong case for his Player of the Year title with a spectacular season split between Single-A St. Lucie and High-A Brooklyn. Across 119 games, Morabito hit an impressive .312, racking up 142 hits in 455 at-bats, along with 59 stolen bases. He posted a stellar on-base percentage of .403, finishing seventh in stolen bases and ranking among the top 15 in batting average across all full-season minor league players.
The McLean, Virginia native started his season in St. Lucie, where he was named the Florida State League Player of the Month for April. During that stretch, he led the league in almost every offensive category, including batting average, hits, on-base percentage, and OPS. His success in St. Lucie earned him a promotion to Brooklyn, where he continued to dominate, setting franchise records for hits (110) and stolen bases (48). By season’s end, Morabito was named a South Atlantic League Post-Season All-Star, becoming the first Mets minor leaguer since Brian Cole (1999 & 2000) to hit over .300 with at least 50 stolen bases. Drafted 75th overall by the Mets in 2022, Morabito’s trajectory continues to point upward.
Brandon Sproat: The Ace of the Future
Brandon Sproat, the Mets' 2024 Pitcher of the Year, skyrocketed through the ranks this season, starting in Brooklyn and making his way to Triple-A Syracuse by year’s end. His season began with six masterful outings for the Cyclones, where he boasted a 1.07 ERA over 25.1 innings. His dominance earned him a promotion to Double-A Binghamton, where he compiled a 4-1 record and a 2.45 ERA over 11 starts. Known for his electric stuff, Sproat struck out 77 batters over 62.1 innings, showcasing a stingy 0.89 WHIP and a minuscule .181 opponent batting average. His tenure in Binghamton culminated in a 13-strikeout performance, during which he set down 11 straight batters, surpassing the Major League record for consecutive strikeouts.
Sproat’s success earned him a spot on the National League roster for the 2024 All-Star Futures Game in Arlington, Texas. After his promotion to Syracuse, Sproat continued to shine, finishing the season with 131 strikeouts in 116.1 innings across all levels. Drafted by the Mets in 2023, the Florida native appears to be on the fast track to the Majors.
Dominican Summer League Stars: Edward Lantigua and Jose Guevara
Edward Lantigua, the DSL Player of the Year, turned heads in his debut season. The 17-year-old outfielder, signed as an international free agent in January, posted an impressive .792 OPS and swiped nine bases over 45 games. His standout month came in July, where he posted a .567 slugging percentage and a 1.130 OPS, both ranking among the top five in the DSL. Lantigua’s hot streak earned him a midseason DSL All-Star nod, where he went 1-for-3 with a stolen base.
On the pitching side, DSL Pitcher of the Year Jose Guevara dominated in his first professional season. The 19-year-old Venezuelan right-hander went 3-2 with a sparkling 1.64 ERA over 10 starts. Guevara’s season was highlighted by a combined perfect game for DSL Mets Blue on June 17, in which he pitched six flawless innings. His season performance earned him a spot on the DSL midseason All-Star team, where he tossed a scoreless inning in the showcase.
Behind the Scenes: Ches Goodman and Anthony Sambois
Ches Goodman, recognized as Minor League Staff Member of the Year, has been with the Mets organization for seven years, starting as a clubhouse assistant with the St. Lucie Mets. After climbing the ranks, Goodman now serves as Coordinator of Minor League Operations. Known for his dedication and positive energy, Goodman has become a beloved figure within the organization, playing a crucial role in minor league operations.
Anthony Sambois, honored as the Dominican Academy Staff Member of the Year, has been instrumental in modernizing the Mets' Dominican Academy. Sambois spearheaded the implementation of advanced player development technologies, including the use of Hawkeye, and played a significant role in upgrading the Academy's infrastructure. His efforts have ensured that the DSL Mets are on par with major league organizations in terms of technological advancement, and his leadership has been pivotal in streamlining the Mets' international scouting operations.
As the Mets celebrate their 2024 Player Development Award winners, it's clear the future of the organization is bright, with talent flourishing both on the field and behind the scenes. Fans will be eager to see how these rising stars and dedicated staff members continue to contribute to the team's success.
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