Of the three right-back pitching prospects the Mets acquired Wednesday night from the Toronto Blue Jays for left-hander Steven Matz, two have already emerged in the majority.
Here’s a synopsis of each of the three players the Mets can use for additional organizational depth in 2021:
Sean-Reid Foley, 25
Written: 2014, second round
Reid-Foley came through the Blue Jays organization as a starting player, and the Florida native made 13 major league starts in 2018-19 with an ERA 4.71. He did better in five appearances in Toronto in 2020, allowing a run won three shots over 6 innings 2/3 (1.35 ERA), although with as many walks as shots (six pieces). According to MLB.com, he mainly throws fast balls with four stitches (63 percent) and sliders (41 percent), his average speed being 94.4 miles per hour and exceeding 96.8 mph.
Yennsy Diaz, 24 years old
Signed: International Free Agent, 2014
Diaz arrives as the highest ranked trio, ranked as the top 26 in Toronto in 2020, according to MLB Pipeline. He made his major league debut for the Jays with a relief appearance in August 2019, allowing two runs won in two-thirds of a half against the Baltimore Orioles. Diaz, born in the Dominican Republic, scored 11-9 with an ERA of 3.74 in 144 innings, with 116 shots in 26 games (24 starts) for Double-A New Hampshire in 2019.
Josh Winckowski, 22 years old
Written: 15th round, 2016
Winckowski was ranked under Diaz (27th) on MLB.com’s list of prospects for Toronto in 2020, but the Florida native appears to be the farthest from pitching for the Mets. Winckowski has not played above the A-ball since retiring from high school, although he posted an ERA of 3.35, with 237 shots in 263 innings, in four minor league seasons. Winckowski won 10-8 with an ERA of 2.69 over 127 1/3 innings combined for Single-A Dunedin and Single-A Lansing in 2019.