The New York Mets farm system continues to produce standout performances, and Tuesday night was no exception. At Triple-A Syracuse, outfielder Nick Morabito and first baseman Ryan Clifford each tallied two hits, while down in Single-A, infielder Elian Peña launched a three-run homer. Here's a closer look at how these top prospects are shaping up for the future.
Nick Morabito, the Mets' No. 11 prospect, recorded a pair of singles in three at-bats and scored a run as Syracuse fell 3-2 in a rain-shortened six-inning game against Rochester. The 22-year-old, who turns 23 on Thursday, has been on a tear lately, going 11-for-30 with four extra-base hits, four RBI, and eight walks over his last 10 games. That hot streak has boosted his season average to .284 and his OPS to .864 through 30 games at Triple-A. Morabito, who was added to the Mets' 40-man roster this past offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, is proving why he's a key piece of the organization's future outfield depth.
Ryan Clifford, ranked No. 6 among Mets prospects, also had a productive night, going 1-for-3 with a single, a double, an RBI, and a walk. What's more impressive? Both of his hits were scorched—108.1 mph and 106.1 mph off the bat, showcasing the raw power that has made him a standout. Through 32 games, Clifford is batting .234 with a .740 OPS, 11 extra-base hits (including five homers), and 19 RBI. While his average might not jump off the page, his exit velocities suggest he's squaring up the ball consistently.
Meanwhile, A.J. Ewing, the Mets' No. 3 prospect, had a rare hitless night, but don't let that fool you. The 21-year-old is still batting a blistering .440 (11-for-25) with a 1.060 OPS through his first seven games at Triple-A. With two extra-base hits and two RBI already, Ewing is showing he can handle the jump to the higher level.
Down in Port St. Lucie at Single-A, Elian Peña, the Mets' No. 7 prospect, made his presence felt with a three-run home run in his lone hit of the night. The 370-foot blast came off the bat at 104.7 mph, a reminder of the power potential in his 19-year-old frame. Despite striking out twice, Peña is still batting .311 with a .866 OPS through 26 games this season. For a young prospect still developing plate discipline, that kind of production is a promising sign.
As the Mets' farm system continues to churn out talent, performances like these give fans plenty to be excited about—whether it's Morabito's consistency, Clifford's thunderous bat, or Peña's raw power. Keep an eye on these names as they climb the ladder toward Queens.