Amed Rosario Takes Final Step At Triple-A

Best Player

Shortstop Amed Rosario has lived up to his billing as the organization’s top prospect and remains on the brink of a callup.

The 21-year-old hit .319/.362/.472 through 73 games at Triple-A Las Vegas with with seven home runs and 48 RBIs.

“He’s played good defense, which he always has. He’s an excellent defender,” general manager Sandy Alderson said. “Really, the one thing I think we would like to see improved is strike-zone command and discipline. That is kind of the last piece for him.”

Rosario’s power has been a plus. He previously had never hit more than five homers in a season, but club officials also realize that the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League could be a significant factor.

Alderson has resisted the temptation to call up Rosario in part because the Mets have veterans Jose Reyes and Asdrubal Cabrera handling the shortstop position.

“(Rosario’s) defense continues to improve,” a major league talent evaluator said, “but his plate discipline still needs work.”

Biggest Leap Forward

In his third season at high Class A St. Lucie, switch-hitting third baseman Jhoan Urena is making strides toward advancement. The 22-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has seen action at first base this season.

“He’s played third base, but we’re not sure what he’s going to be,” Alderson said. “He’s had a very nice season so far, and he’s definitely on our radar.”

Urena hit .306/.403/.461 with six homers and 39 RBIs through 71 games. He had already drawn 43 walks—or one more than he had in all of 2016. Urena missed time in 2015 and 2016 with wrist injuries.

“He is really talented,” a major league talent evaluator said. “His lefthanded swing is finally playing in High-A. He is good at first base—third is his natural position, but he is up and down there.”