Merandy Gonzalez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #15 prospect in 2018
  Acquired from the Mets as part of the A.J. Ramos trade, Gonzalez produced a stellar season in 2017. At two Class A levels, he pitched to a 1.66 ERA that ranked second in the minors. His 0.97 WHIP ranked 10th. Gonzalez is listed at just 6 feet, but he has a solid lower half and possesses a strong, yet high-effort delivery that helps him top out at 97 mph with his fastball. Working mostly in the 93-95 mph range, he also has an above-average curveball that will come across the plate hard with a tight, north-to-south spin in the high 70s or low 80s. He also has feel for a third-pitch changeup. Gonzalez's control has never been his strongest asset, but he took a step forward in 2017 by walking just 26 batters, against 103 strikeouts in a career-high 130 innings. In his full-season debut Gonzalez proved durable and effective, though he still faces questions about his future role. Developing his command and changeup will be key to staying in the rotation. If he can't, his power repertoire should play as a high-leverage reliever.
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  Ranked New York Mets #14 prospect in 2017
  The Mets signed Gonzalez out of the Dominican Republic as a 17-year-old in March 2013. Though he is on the short side for a righthanded starter--about 6 feet--he is strong through his core and lower body and stays in his legs well during his delivery. This allows Gonzalez to touch 97 mph with life and pitch at 93-95 with a plus fastball. He threw a seven-inning no-hitter in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2015 and then shined at short-season Brooklyn in 2016 by ranking third in the New York-Penn League with 71 strikeouts and eighth with a 2.87 ERA. Gonzalez shows the ability to spin a breaking ball at a young age, and his above-average curveball at 78-82 mph shows consistent top-to-bottom shape. He also throws a slider with shorter break. He doesn't have great feel for his below-average changeup, and his command also grades as below-average. He throws enough strikes to compete as a starter but is more a thrower than pitcher at this stage. He throws with effort, so unless he develops his changeup and command, he could fit best as a high-leverage reliever. He will play at low Class A Columbia in 2017.