The New York Mets' injury woes with prospects, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, has been a defining feature of their 2024 season. While some of the biggest names have missed time, others have managed to get in plenty of reps and develop their games. One of the biggest risers in the system has been infielder Jesus Baez, who is the focus of this week's edition of Minor League Mondays.
Baez, 19, signed with the team as an international free agent in January of 2022 and has been showing steady improvement over the past two years. The Mets brought Baez stateside last summer and he struggled in the Florida Complex League, hitting just .210 in 138 at bats, but he showed enough positive signs for the Mets to bump him up to Low-A St. Lucie to start 2024.
The team's faith in Baez was rewarded as he put together a strong start to the season, hitting .262 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI in 284 at bats to earn a promotion to High-A Brooklyn. Baez got off to a quick start on Coney Island as well, hitting .267 in his first eight games for the Cyclones, but his year came to an unceremonious end thanks to a torn meniscus that required season-ending surgery.
There is a lot to like with Baez, who has flashed tremendous power potential throughout his time in the Mets' farm system. While there is some average contact potential in Baez's profile, power will be his ticket to the big leagues, especially once he grows more into his frame.
Baez's natural position is shortstop, but he has below average speed and a strong arm, which makes a move to third base more likely in the long run. The Mets had been getting Baez reps at third before his injury and will likely continue that process next season.
There is a lot of intrigue with Baez, who is currently rated as the Mets' 14th-best prospect according to MLB.com, and he has plenty of time to grow into a solid big leaguer. The Mets will likely slow play Baez's development and have him begin 2025 with Brooklyn in the hopes he can quickly force his way to Binghamton. With a lack of slam-dunk options at third base for the long term, Baez can make himself a consideration at the hot corner if he can turn his breakout 2024 campaign into a foundation for future success.
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