Wilfredo Tovar

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Mets #29 prospect in 2014
  The four-times-running best defensive infielder in the system, Tovar made his big league debut in September, joining catcher Juan Centeno and center fielder Matt den Dekker as possible members of the franchise's future B-team. For his part, Tovar has a utility-infielder profile because of his strong defensive skills, including plus range, sure hands and a strong, accurate arm. He has played second base only sporadically in the minors, but he has the quickness to man the keystone and the arm strength to fill in at third as well. A team starting Tovar will be looking for an offensive upgrade. He's a below-average hitter with practically zero power who will get the bat knocked out of his hands by the pitching elite. He's also a below-average runner. Tovar has a low ceiling, but a high floor because teams need multi-positional infielders, particularly in the National League.
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  Ranked New York Mets #13 prospect in 2013
  Evaluators agree that Tovar can field the shortstop position at a major league level of efficiency and skill. The system's best defensive infielder for three years running, he earned a place on the 40-man roster after hitting a career-high .270 and reaching Double-A in the second half of 2012. Thick-legged but not very physical, Tovar ranges well to both sides, plays the right hop with regularity and showcases soft hands. He makes strong, accurate throws to first base and is an above-average defender overall, though--much like Mets regular Ruben Tejada--he's not flashy. Tovar can manipulate the barrel to hit different pitch types and use all fields, but he offers minimal power. He bunts and moves runners well, and he has average speed, so he would fit best as a contact-oriented hitter in the No. 2 spot or at the bottom of the order. Tovar may not have as high a ceiling as Tejada, but he could be ready for a big league cameo in 2013 if needed. If not, Tovar ought to get to Triple-A by midseason at the latest.