The early season success that the Mets achieved has faded and the fans in Queens New York are getting restless.  There is pitching depth in the organization with Rafael Montero, Noah Syndergaard, and Jake DeGrom with both DeGrom and Montero seeing action in the big leagues.  Montero was inconsistent and was demoted in early June but DeGrom has been very good and is still in the big league rotation.  Syndergaard is working his way back from a shoulder injury and on-field collision but still should see time in the majors in the second half.

1. Next in Line Infield Prospects

• Wilmer Flores (3B/SS, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium – PROMOTED: 5/9/14
  
• Taylor Teagarden (C, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Kevin Plawecki (C, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low

Notes: Wilmer Flores saw time in Queens last year and batted .211 with one home run in 95 at-bats.  While it wasn’t a great showing, Flores has 15-20 home run power with the ability to bat .260-.270.  While he’s not a great defender the Mets have moved him to shortstop and as of early May, he is the full-time shortstop in Queens.  Will it end well?  Not likely but he could have some fantasy value.  Keep an eye on him.   Taylor Teagarden is a backup catcher and could be called up if injuries hit or if Travis d’Arnaud continues to struggle.  Kevin Plawecki can hit and is somebody that fantasy owners need to put on their radar.  He could be used as trade bait down the road.

2. Next in Line Outfield Prospects

• Bobby Abreu (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low – PROMOTED: 4/22/14
  
• Cesar Puello (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
• Matt den Dekker (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low

Notes: Yes, that Bobby Abreu!  Cesar Puello had a terrific 2013 but then was listed on the Biogensis roster and spent the last 50-games of the season on the suspension list.  Assuming his production was not PED-induced, he has an interesting speed/power combination and the ability to make contact.  He’s probably not an impact talent but should be rosterable in most deeper fantasy leagues once promoted.

3. Next in Line Pitching Prospects

• Rafael Montero (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
  
• Jake DeGrom (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: High – PROMOTED: 5/15/14
  
• Noah Syndergaard (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: High

Notes: The strength of the Mets system is pitching.  Noah Syndergaard has the highest upside and profiles as a number two starter with big swing and miss stuff and the ability to throw strikes.  He is still returning from first his shoulder injury and then an on-field collision upon his return.  Rafael Montero is the next highest impact pitcher in the system and has handled the tough pitching environment of the PCL better than Syndergaard but didn’t fare well in his four starts in New York.  Given his size, many believe he’s bound for the pen, but he’s done nothing but excel in every stop along his development and deserves a shot at the starting rotation.  Time will tell.  Jake DeGrom is still in New York and looks great.  He’s always had a great arm with the ability to keep the ball down in the zone but his improved command has made him a big leaguer.

4. Next in Line Relief Prospects

• Vic Black (RHP, Triple-A)  – Fantasy relevance: Medium – PROMOTED: 5/27/14
  
• Rafael Montero (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low