Amazin’ kids fighting for recognition
AS ANTHONY Kay took center stage at the MLB Futures Game on Sunday night in Cleveland, the Mets’ other fast-rising pitching prospect was off the radar.
By now, Ryley Gilliam is probably used to there being little fanfare for him. The Mets’ 2018 fifth-round draft pick was a footnote when he and Kay were promoted to Triple-A in early June, and on Sunday, the lack of attention was likely welcomed after surrendering two runs in relief during a 10-5 Syracuse loss to the Buffalo Bisons.
It was a blemish on Gilliam’s ascent through the Mets’ farm system. He needed just nine games to show off his fastball and curveball in Single-A Port St. Lucie before getting the call to Double-A Binghamton. Twelve games later, he made the move to Syracuse alongside 2016 draft pick Kay.
“What jumped out to me was his strikeout rate, both in High-A [40 percent] and in Double-A [41.7 percent],” said first-year Mets executive director of player development Jared Banner. “He’s faced some challenges since moving up to Triple-A, and that adversity is important because all baseball players face it at some point.”
Gilliam, like Kay, has struggled at Triple-A. Entering Sunday, the 22-year-old Gilliam had pitched to a 12.96 ERA over nine appearances, while his strikeout rate has dipped to 28 percent.
One scout from another organization indicated the talent may be catching up with Gilliam, who is ranked by MLB.com as the Mets’ 20th prospect.
“Shaky command,” the scout said. “I wouldn’t trust him in the back end of the bullpen.”
In that case, he’ll fit in just
fine with the Mets current bullpen.
Here’s the lowdown on a couple other 2018 picks to watch:
Pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson, 2nd-round draft pick: 1-8, 4.86 ERA in Single-A Columbia
The skinny: 18-year-old righty, ranked by MLB.com as the Mets’ No. 7 prospect. Features four-seam and two-seam fastball, a slider and breaking ball. Velocity has improved, but loses power deep into starts.
Banner: “He came into spring training and really impressed us with how advanced he was, and we thought it was appropriate to challenge him in that league.”
2nd baseman/outfielder Carlos Cortes, 20th-round draft pick: .250/.329/.401 with seven home runs and 45 RBIs for Single-A St. Lucie
The skinny: 22-year-old, 5-foot-7 and ambidextrous. Ranked the 19th Mets prospect. Will likely need to lean on his bat to bring him to the majors, as defense is shaky.
Banner: “I came up in an organization that had [5foot-9] Dustin Pedroia in it, so I learned the lesson of not always judging a book by its cover. Carlos has a really nice swing, and has really good feel for squaring up the baseball.”
Catcher Nick Meyer, 6th-round draft pick: .208/.269/.262/.531 with Port St. Lucie
The skinny: 22-year-old ranked the Mets 29th best prospect. Unlike Cortes, will need his defense to bring him to big club.
Banner: “We’ve been very impressed with his defense, his game calling, receiving, his throwing. He’s done a great job managing that staff, being a leader on the field.”