2016 Mets draft profile: RHP Dariel Rivera

Name: Dariel Rivera
Born: Caguas, Puerto Rico
Age: 18 (10/1/1997)
Height/Weight: 6'3"/160 lbs
Position: RHP
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Dr. Juan J Osuna High School (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Dariel Rivera is 6'3", and so much of his height stems from his long legs. He puts those legs to good use while on the mound, hiding the ball from batters with a leg kick and getting good extension toward the plate with a long stride. The right-hander throws from a high 3/4 arm slot with loose, whippy arm action. He pauses at the height of his wind-up, a hitch in his delivery that not only serves to throw off the timing of hitters, but allows his arm to catch up to his body, increasing his control and minimizing arm injury risk.

Rivera's fastball sits in the high 80s, topping out at around 90 MPH. The pitch features excellent run. The youngster's slight frame is all but certain to fill out as he ages, and as it does, his fastball average velocity and top speeds will surely increase. He complements his fastball with a fairly advanced 11-5 curveball. The pitch flashes plus at times, showing tight spin and bite but is not consistent, other times getting too slurvy and morphing into something resembling a sweeping slider.

Rivera signed with the Mets for a $50,000 bonus and is playing with their Gulf Coast League affiliate.