Though it’s almost always about the here and now for the Yankees and Mets, an eye also must be kept on the future, and what’s coming next.
Both teams always are looking for their farm systems to produce, and with that in mind, here is a look at five prospects to keep an eye out for from each team, with all stats entering Friday night:
Yankees
RHP Luis Severino
The Yankees’ top pitching prospect, who drew a comparison to Pedro Martinez from a scout last summer, has been mowing down his competition, striking out 48 in 38 innings at Double-A Trenton. For his efforts, Severino was promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
2B Rob Refsnyder
With Stephen Drew continuing to flounder and Jose Pirela yet to produce, Refsnyder, who is hitting .277 at Triple-A, could get a look at second base. But he must improve his defense (.951 fielding percentage).
OF Aaron Judge
Many words were written in this space about Judge just a few weeks ago, but the slugging outfielder continues to impress. He has a .295 batting average at Double-A to go along with seven homers and 27 RBIs.
OF Mason Williams
It has been a long road for Williams, who was taken in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, but struggled at Double-A in 2014 (.223). Nevertheless, he has bounced back nicely in 2015, with a .316 average in time split between Double-A and Triple-A — though he hasn’t homered in 179 at-bats.
3B Eric Jagielo
The Yankees’ first-round draft pick from two years ago, Jagielo is mashing at Double-A, with a .301 batting average and gaudy .944 OPS in just 163 at-bats.
Mets
LHP Steven Matz
Pretty soon, Mets fans could be singing “Meet the Matz,” as the southpaw is carving up the competition at hitter-friendly Las Vegas, with a 1.99 ERA in 63¹/₃ innings, to go along with 68 strikeouts.
IF T.J. Rivera
Rivera, whose back story was covered earlier this month, hasn’t missed a beat since being promoted to Triple-A. He has recorded a .341 average in 44 at-bats. He also has flashed a strong glove, checking in with a .992 fielding percentage at second base, his primary position.
OF Michael Conforto
The team’s first-round draft pick from a season ago appears to be on a fast track to the Show. He hit .283 at High-A St. Lucie, displaying improved power (seven homers in 184 at-bats), and was just promoted to Double-A Binghamton.
OF Brandon Nimmo
Drafted 13th overall out of high school in 2011, it looked as if Nimmo had turned a corner in his fourth full pro season, as he was hitting .297 at Double-A. Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained ACL and is sidelined for at least the next two weeks.
SS Amed Rosario
Despite being just 19 years old, Rosario, who hails from the Dominican Republic, is holding his own at High-A, with a .277 batting average and a steady glove (.974 fielding percentage).