Playing the 2019 minor league season as one of the youngest players in Double-A, Mets infield prospect Andres Gimenez underwhelmed, hitting just .250/.309/.387 in 117 games. His play in the Arizona Fall League has been a different story.
Now 21 years old (his birthday was Sept. 4), Gimenez is hitting his stride.
Shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most promising prospects in baseball, Gimenez has been one of the best hitters in the AFL, slashing .352/.407/.556 with four doubles, two triples, one homer and two stolen bases in 14 games (54 at-bats).
Gimenez has two hits apiece in each of his last three games and ranks second on his team in batting average -- behind Phillies prospect Alec Bohm (the No. 34 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline) and in front of Giants prospect Joey Bart (the No. 19 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline).
MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects list has Gimenez at No. 92, behind fellow Mets prospects Brett Baty (No. 81) and Ronny Mauricio (No. 80).
In June, SNY's Joe DeMayo had Gimenez pegged as an everyday player at shortstop or second base if he got back on his developmental trajectory.
"His calling card for extra base hits will be spraying balls in the gap, getting doubles, and sometimes using his speed to get some triples," DeMayo wrote. "Gimenez has above average speed and has developed quality base running IQ, which should make him a 20+ stolen base threat."
Gimenez, who could make his big league debut at some point in 2020, is currently blocked on the Mets' infield by Amed Rosario (shortstop) and Robinson Cano (second base).
David Peterson holding his own, Ryley Gilliam excelling
Two other key Mets playing in the AFL are left-handed pitcher David Peterson and right-handed reliever Ryley Gilliam.
The 24-year-old Peterson, who will likely open the 2020 season with Triple-A Syracuse, has a 3.46 ERA and 2.00 WHIP with 13 strikeouts in 13.0 IP.
The 23-year-old Gilliam has a 1.08 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 10 strikeouts in 8.1 IP (six appearances).
Gilliam will likely open the 2020 season back with Triple-A Syracuse, but could be an option for the Mets' bullpen at some point during the season.