Each year at 213 we look through the Non-Roster Invitees to spring training and get to know them a bit. Are they in camp to get a look at big league hitting/pitching to aid their development? Are the Mets just trying to get a better look at a future rookie? Are they a veteran trying to get back to the major league level? What can we expect from them this season?
I am very excited about today’s NRI profile! Pete Crow-Armstrong (I also fully understand that by the time this article posts, written on 2/20, Pete may already be back in minor league camp). Pete is also the last top prospect we’ll be looking at in this series. Generally he’s around the 5th best prospect in the Mets system, depending on where you look. MLB.com has the following grades for him:
- Hit 55
- Power 40
- Run 60
- Arm 55
- Field 60
- Overall 50
Pete was a first round pick for the Mets in 2020, and because it was 2020, we don’t have any stats from the minors yet to dive into for the soon to be 19 year old (next week!). He’s generally considered a strong defensive asset to Centerfield, with good speed. His plate development is going to dictate where he goes. Outfield, especially center fielders, is an area the Mets are just missing right now in the system.
Pete is the first player in this article series that we don’t have any minor league stats, any college stats (drafted out of high school) and no winter ball stats. High School stats are sometimes misleading outside of “this player is really good and is a professional playing against some players who might be professional and a lot of players that won’t be” He was a standout though on the 18U USA team where he hit .364/.405/.606. This is why I’m so excited to see him in Mets camp this year – we get to see him play against other players with similar talent! It will also be a joy to watch him play in the minors.
It’s also important to talk about Pete off the field. Pete was advocate and an activist last summer for against racial inequality and police brutality showing support for Black Lives Matter. We need more of that with white players in the league.
