Ricardo Cespedes

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #23 prospect in 2017
  The Mets signed Cespedes for $725,000 on the day he turned 16, and because his birthday fell eight days shy of the Sept. 1 cutoff, he is one of the youngest players from the 2013 international signing class. After three pro seasons he still is just 19 and will play most of 2017 at that age. While Cespedes' tools and abilities are obvious, so too are his immaturity and lack of focus. He has an excellent first step in center field and could develop into a plus defender with an above-average arm. While not a burner, he has at least average speed and is a smart baserunner. These attributes could make Cespedes a table-setter if he can improve his hitting approach. He can turn around mid-90s heat with a loose, easy swing, and some scouts see him as a potential plus hitter. He hangs in well versus lefthanders, hits to all fields and can bunt for hits. Like many young hitters, he tends to drift out front on offspeed pitches and seldom walks. Cespedes doesn't show much power, so unless he takes a step forward in that department, he might fit best as a fourth outfielder. He could be ready for a full-season assignment at low Class A Columbia in 2017.