Johneshwy Fargas looks to make his major league debut in 2021

Johneswhy Fargas, a 26-year-old right-handed-hitting outfielder, is likely a more familiar name here at Amazin’ Avenue than he is elsewhere. During the abbreviated version of spring training in 2020, Fargas hit .276/.300/.483 with six stolen bases and finished as the runner-up in our KoST voting.

Born in Puerto Rico, Fargas was picked by the Giants in the 11th round of the 2013 amateur draft. He made his professional debut in rookie ball that year, and the 2014 through 2018 seasons at the three level of Single-A ball in the Giants’ system. Having previously topped out at a .702 OPS in 2015, Fargas hit .288/.354/.421 with two home runs and 47 stolen bases in 63 attempts at High-A.

That season earned Fargas a promotion to Double-A in 2019, but he didn’t come close to matching his line at the plate the year before. He hit .249/.325/.334 in 466 plate appearances, but he did manage to steal 50 bases in 73 attempts.

Defensively, Fargas has played all three outfield positions in his minor league career, but he has spent the overwhelming majority of his time playing center.

Given the Mets’ acquisitions over the offseason, though, the odds of Fargas getting a shot in the big leagues this year are relatively low. Kevin Pillar and Albert Almora Jr., both of whom are new to the team, have major league experience in center field. And even those two players might not get a ton of playing time this year, as the team figures to use Dom Smith in left field, Brandon Nimmo in center, and Michael Conforto in right to maximize offsense before getting Pillar or Almora into games late for defense.

Throw in the fact that J.D. Davis, Jeff McNeil, and Jonathan Villar have varying levels of outfield experience and the Mets’ acquisition of Jose Martinez, and there are lots of players who could see time in the outfield in 2021. The Mets traded for outfield prospect Khalil Lee, too and have Mallex Smith in camp, too. In order to get a shot with the Mets, Fargas would probably have to tear the cover off the ball in the minors early in the season. And even then, it might take an injury or two before he gets the call.