The Mets may not have been in contention for the past two or three seasons, but the one thing that Sandy Alderson has accomplished is building a very respectable minor league system through a few shrewd trades. Zach Wheeler is no longer a prospect, but Alderson’s deserves praise for landing him for a two month Carlos Beltran rental. The R.A. Dickey deal may prove to be a heist. Trading a then 38 year old pitcher for Travis d’Arnaud, Noah Syndergaard, and others was brilliant when the trade was executed and is looking even better now that Syndergaard is a top prospect. Without further ado here are your top ten Mets prospects for 2014.

10. Jake deGrom (RHP)

Opportunity(6) Talent Level(5)

deGrom has a small chance of making the team out of spring training as long as the Mets don’t bring in many more arms to compete. He has a fastball that is in the 92-94 MPH range and has an average breaking ball. He needs more seasoning, but will likely see time at the big league level this season.

9. Brandon Nimmo (OF)

Opportunity (5) Talent Level (7)

Nimmo reminds me of Adam LaRoche at the plate. He has a slightly above average bat which should enable him to hit .280 with some pop. He is a few years away because of his rawness but, if he makes some strides could see playing time in 2015.

8. Gavin Cecchini (SS)

Opportunity (6) Talent Level (7)

Cecchini is great in the field which will eventually lead to him being called up in a few seasons. He has can find his way onto base but has zero power. He may be at most offensively effective Rey Ordonez. Look for him in 2016, NL-only leagues will be where he has value.

7. Amed Rosario (SS)

Opportunity(5) Talent Level(7)

Rosario excites Mets fan with his speed and quick hands which enable him to drive through the ball. He is an above average fielder with good speed and a live bat. Once his body fills out we could have an All-Star on our hands here. Expect to see him in 2016.

6. Dominic Smith (1B/OF)

Opportunity(5) Talent Level(8)

Smith is a very good hitter who projects to play first base or right field based on need. His fielding is okay but he was definitely drafted so high in last year’s draft based on his bat. I think he could be a 25 home run 90 RBI guy in five years. He is only 18 and rated this highly. Look out. You'll be reading more about Smith in a couple years.

5. Kevin Plawecki (C/1B)

Opportunity (7) Talent Level (7)

Plawecki is a nice player who should definitely see some time on the big league roster this season. At whichever position he plays he can give the Mets a shot in the arm if needed. His power is average, his ability to get on base is very good, and he fields his position relatively well. He could be an injury call up. 2014 Projections- AB:75 H:20 HR:3 RBI:8

4. Wilmer Flores (2B/3B)

Opportunity(8) Talent Level(8)

Flores will get his at-bats this season if their are injuries or trades are made. There are a couple scenarios where he gets considerable playing time and if or when that happens he becomes an immediate guy to follow and snag. Flores doesn’t have speed or a good glove but has a bat that can turn heads. If he gets playing time he could be a sneaky fantasy pickup. 2014- AB:300, H:88, HR: 9 RBI:33

3. Rafael Montero (RHP)

Opportunity (9) Talent Level(10)

Montero burst onto everybody’s radars last spring where he compiled 12 wins and 150 strikeouts over 155 innings allowing an ERA of 2.78. He has fantastic control with a 4.5:1 K/BB ratio. If he plays he can be a fantasy sleeper. 2014- W/L: 3-4 ERA: 3.75 K/BB: 85/25

2. Travis d’Arnaud (C)

Opportunity (10) Talent Level (10)

d’Arnaud is still a rookie, but the starting catching job has been handed to him. He is a very good fielder and has a plus bat which should translate into him being a solid producer for the Mets. He won’t be a 25 homerun guy in Citi Field, he could be another Daniel Murphy in the lineup. I don’t like rookie catchers in fantasy, d’Arnaud included. AB: 450 H: 125 HR: 13 RBI: 60

1. Noah Syndergaard (RHP)

Opportunity (9) Talent Level (10)

Syndergaard is the next stud pitcher waiting in the wings for the Mets. He throws hard and throws strikes with an effective knockout pitch. He has poise on the mound and he is only 21 years old. Realistically he is a year away still, but you never know. Keeper league must have!  2014- W/L: 3-2 ERA: 3.44, K/BB: 50/15

LET’S GO METS!!!