P.J. Conlon

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #24 prospect in 2018
  Conlon's ability to keep runs off the scoreboard despite not having big-time stuff continued in 2017. At Double-A Binghamton he ranked sixth in the Eastern League in ERA (3.38) and even tossed a trio of seven-inning shutouts. He previously logged 17 relief innings without allowing an earned run at short-season Brooklyn in 2015, his pro debut, then led all minor league starters with a 1.65 ERA at two Class A stops in 2016. Conlon depends on command of a fringe-average fastball, plus changeup and plus control. He sits in the high 80s, scraping 90 mph, and relies on sinking his fastball and commanding it inside against righthanders. He sells an excellent changeup with arm speed and a deceptive delivery that prevents batters from easily picking up the ball out of his hand. Conlon will bounce his fringe curveball in the dirt as a chase pitch, but relies on his changeup when going offspeed. The Mets moved him to the bullpen in August, and they intend to keep him there after he allowed a .192 average and struck out 9.8 per nine innings in six relief appearances. Conlon could see big league action in 2018, and has a ceiling similar to that of fellow lefty changeup artist Wade LeBlanc.
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  Ranked New York Mets #19 prospect in 2017
  Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Conlon moved with his parents to Southern California at age 2 and thus does not speak with an Irish accent. A three-year starter at San Diego, he landed with the Mets as a 13th-round pick in 2015 and then logged 17 relief innings without allowing an earned run at short-season Brooklyn in his pro debut. Conlon continued to suppress runs as a starter over two Class A stops and 142 innings in 2016, recording a 1.65 ERA that led all qualified minor league starters. With above-average control--he walked 1.5 per nine innings in 2016--he mixes his four pitches, including the best changeup in the system, for maximum effect. Conlon averages about 88 mph with his fastball and hits 90 on a good night, but keeps the ball off the barrel with natural deceptiveness and feel for changing speeds. He throws an average cutter to his glove side, which keeps righthanders honest, and commands an above-average to plus changeup to his arm side. His low-70s curveball receives below-average grades but works in small doses as a means to change eye levels. Critics point to Conlon's lack of physicality and funky arm action and project him to the bullpen. Still, he has a competitive streak and a track record that will keep him in the rotation for now. The challenges at Double-A Binghamton await in 2017.