The 11 best Mets minor league hitters I saw this year: 10, Wilmer Reyes

Team: Brooklyn Cyclones

Position: 2B/3B/SS

Born: 12/22/97 (21)

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 160 lbs.

Bats/Throws: R/R

Acquired: IFA, June 1, 2016 (Mao, Dominican Republic)

2019 Season: 61 G, 229 AB, .323/.350/.441, 74 H, 8 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 8 BB, 41 K, 12/18 SB, .371 BABIP (Short-A)

Date(s) Seen: June 22, (0-3, R, K, HBP), July 30 (1-3, BB, K, E), September 1 (0-4, BB, 2 K), September 10 (0-4, 3 K)

The Man

Signed out of the Dominican Republic on the very last day of the 2015-2016 international free agent period, Wilmer Reyes spent the first two years of his career in the Dominican Summer League and then got a brief cup of coffee with the GCL Mets at the end of 2017. He spent most of the 2018 season there as well, though he got brief promotions to the St. Lucie Mets and the Kingsport Mets at the beginning and end of August, respectively. He was assigned to Brooklyn for the 2019 season and experienced a renaissance there, hitting a team-best .323/.350/.441. His batting average was tenth best in the league among qualified hitters, and when the list is shortened to hitters who played in 50 or more games, his batting average was fourth best in the league.

The Player

Reyes stands square at the plate, holding his hands low. His swing is very level, with some slight uppercut, a swing conducive for hitting for average rather than hitting for power. At 6’0”, 160-pounds, Reyes has a little bit of room for physical growth, but he is unlikely to put on much more muscle. As a result, he will always be a hit-over-power player.

Reyes played all over the field in 2019, logging the majority of his time at shortstop but spent time at first base, second base, and third base as well. While he spent the majority of the 2018 season in the outfield, the infield is his natural home. He is not traditionally quick or rangy, but he moves well laterally. He has a smooth glove and is able to transfer and throw the ball quickly, augmenting his average arm.

Looking To 2020

Reyes is age and developmentally appropriate to begin the 2020 season in Columbia. His ability to play all over the field will come in handy, but as long as he is not blocked by a fellow teammate with better defensive tools, he should continue maturing as a shortstop.

The List

11: Luke Ritter