Brodie Van Wagenen was really aggressive in his first year as the New York Mets general manager. His most notable move was going all in for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz. It was a move that I didn’t love at the time and it’s impossible to love now. It’s one thing that the Mets haven’t gotten great production out of Cano or Diaz. They also have a major looming consequence dangling over the franchise. Jarred Kelenic is showing star potential which would be the Mets worst nightmare.
Kelenic is currently the 13th ranked prospect in baseball. I’m a big proponent on prospects are prospects until proven otherwise in most instances. Then there are guys you just do not trade. Most teams have one or two truly untouchable players. Some teams have none. It’s looking like Jarred Kelenic should have been untouchable.
Kelenic, 20, is zooming through the Mariners farm system. As the centerpiece of the Cano – Diaz trade, Kelenic sure is performing in the minors thus far. The former 6th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft collected 23 homers, 20 steals and a .904 OPS overall in his first full season of pro ball. That was between A ball and AA. Kelenic will likely hit AAA within the first few months of the 2020 season if he doesn’t start there already. Kelenic looks like a potential 5 tool player.
The Mets actually have some star power in the form of Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil. If they gave up a superstar future centerfielder, it will be detrimental to the future of the franchise that looks so promising. Brodie Van Wagenen’s career is likely tied to the future of Jarred Kelenic. It’s one thing to trade Kelenic and he turns into a star. It’s another thing to trade him and get back the package that they did. The Mets have no choice but the fire BVW at the point. That’s a decision you don’t come back from.
