Wilmer Flores

2013

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2012

Flores spent 2011 at High-A St. Lucie, posting a disappointing .269/.309/.380 batting line with nine homers, 81 RBI and a 68:27 K:BB ratio in 516 at-bats over 133 games. Because of below-average foot speed and a larger frame, many major league scouts have projected that Flores eventually will change positions from shortstop to either third base or a corner outfield spot. Flores projects to add power as he matures, but he will only go as far as his plate discipline and future power take him, which right now are a major work in progress.

2011

After spending all of 2009 at Low-A Savannah, Flores opened 2010 there again. Despite an up-and-down campaign. Flores showed enough to earn a promotion to High-A St. Lucie, where he hit .300 despite a lack of plate discipline. Flores posted just a 9:40 BB:K ratio at St. Lucie, which is not surprising as he was just 19 and the Florida State League is notorious for being tough on hitters. Flores had 11 HR, 84 RBI an 50 XBH between the two levels, showing why he is the Mets' top hitting prospect. He projects to fill-out as he matures, which along with his lack of a quick first step and range likely will move him away from shortstop, possibly to third or an outfield corner. Flores could challenge for a major-league job in 2012, but 2013 seems a more realistic timeframe.

2010

After a solid 2008 season, Flores regressed somewhat in 2009 at Low-A Savannah to start 2009. The Mets might have moved him up the ladder a bit too quickly, as he was overmatched at times as an 18-year-old in A-ball. Flores has a quick bat and is expected to hit for power, including to the opposite field, as he fills out and matures, and is still regarded as a top prospect. He is a below-average runner, a situation that likely will worsen as he does get bigger, which is one reason why most scouts expect him to move from the middle infield to a corner infield or outfield position. Given the struggles that some of their prospects have had when advanced too quickly, the Mets may now choose to move younger players incrementally up the ladder, so look for Flores to either repeat Low-A or start 2010 at High-A St. Lucie.

2009

Flores, who the Mets signed as a 16-year-old international free agent in August 2007, has advanced up the ladder quicker than anyone anticipated. Flores finished 2008 at Brooklyn of the New York-Penn League and could open 2009 at Low-A. He has power potential and makes good contact, though he could use some tightening of the strike zone, but at this point that's nitpicking given his youth and overall production. There are also questions about where he will end up defensively, due to his likelihood of filling out. Expect the Mets to push him considering their hurried philosophy demonstrated with other young players. Flores' fine year and future potential landed him at No. 29 on the end of season RotoWire Top 100 Prospects list.