Top 25 Mets Prospects for 2015, #6: Rafael Montero

Despite an up-and-down debut in Queens, the 24-year-old is still a major factor in the organization's long-term pitching plans.

Signed by the New York Mets as a non-drafted free agent on Jan. 20, 2011 ($80,000).

2014 Statistics:

Rob says:

"After a remarkably smooth ascent through the minors, the 24-year-old Montero finally hit a bumpy patch in 2014 -- albeit at the major league level. What was strange about his struggles was that the noted control artist was suddenly uncharacteristically wild, walking nearly 12% of batters after living closer to a sterling 5% throughout his minor league career. Additionally, major league hitters found him remarkably easy to park, knocking eight longballs in his eight starts.

The good news is that the stuff looked fine. He often flashed 95 MPH with the fastball and generated plenty of swings and misses, striking out over 20% of batters faced. That said, it was slightly concerning that these issues -- namely the command problems -- seemed to follow him back down to Las Vegas. It's certainly far too soon to worry about a guy who only began pitching professionally in the last four years. However, for someone who is already fighting to find a home in a very talented, very crowded rotation, 2014 likely stoked the flames in the long-term reliever debate."