The MLB regular season is quickly approaching, despite the fact that the free-agent market is still moving slowly. The goal of all 30 clubs, including the New York Yankees and Mets, is to create a stir on the field in 2024.
However, how promising might the future be for both teams? Prior to the 2024 season, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel released his rankings of the top 100 prospects on January 31. Six players from each New York team made it onto this exclusive roster of baseball’s brightest future prospects.
Outfielder Jasson Dominguez (number 21), outfielder Spencer Jones (number 56), shortstop Roderick Arias (number 60), pitcher Will Warren (number 69), pitcher Chase Hampton (number 81), and catcher Austin Wells (number 82) are the Yankee players who made the cut.
The following players from the Mets are ranked among the top 100 prospects in baseball: outfielder Drew Gilbert (ranked 39), shortstop Luisangel Acuña (ranked 58), shortstop Ronny Mauricio (ranked 72), shortstop Ryan Clifford (ranked 80), and pitcher Christian Scott (ranked 99).
How the Mets and Yankees Compare to the Entire MLB
As is evident from the above, neither the Yankees nor the Mets have any prospects that are ranked in the top 20 by McDaniel. Dominguez is the player with the highest ranking in this subset. However, the Mets have more players (Williams and Gilbert) in the top 50.
How do both New York teams compare in terms of prospects when considering the sheer volume included? With seven prospects ranked in the top 100, the Baltimore Orioles have the most. Three other teams, including the Yankees and Mets, have six prospects apiece, which is the second-most among all. These teams are the San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, and Cincinnati Reds.
Of the teams in the American League East, the Orioles and Yankees are without a doubt the best. The Boston Red Sox had three prospects, the Toronto Blue Jays had one, and the Tampa Bay Rays had four.
The Mets have the highest concentration of elite talent in the National League East. With three prospects, the Washington Nationals are the team closest to New York. The Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins both have one, while the Philadelphia Phillies have two.
In 2024, how many could have an impact on MLB?
Three of these twelve players have already debuted in the major leagues. They all occurred in 2023 as well. In September, Dominguez and Wells arrived with the Bombers. In Queens, Mauricio likewise had to wait until September to get his opportunity. Regretfully, two of these three are coping with serious injuries right now.
Dominguez is recuperating from surgery on his Tommy John. He might return at some point throughout the summer. After rupturing his ACL while participating in the Dominican Winter League, Mauricio is probably out for the entire season.
By 2024, a few of these outstanding Yankees prospects might be playing in the major leagues. Warren is ready after completing his Triple-A career in 2023. Arias, who is 19 years old and has only participated in Rookie Ball thus far, still has a long way to go. By the conclusion of the season, Jones and Hampton, who both made it to Double-A last year, might perhaps make it to the Bronx.
Gilbert is anticipated to begin 2024 with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets across town. David Stearns, the president of baseball operations, also named Williams and Acuña as guys who could be in the major leagues in the near future. During an appearance on the New York Post podcast “The Show” on January 10, he stated as much. Clifford concluded his 2023 campaign with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones, while Scott completed with 12 starts in Double-A.
