Harol Gonzalez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #28 prospect in 2017
  The Mets initially scouted Gonzalez as a shortstop, but when international director Chris Becerra returned to see him play again, the Dominican teen was showcasing for teams as a pitcher. Becerra invited the 19-year-old Gonzalez to throw a bullpen session, after which the Mets signed him for just $7,500. Gonzalez lacks overpowering stuff but knows how to compete by spotting his 88-89 mph fastball, repeating his delivery and locating his two secondary pitches. He dominated New York-Penn League competition in 2016, ranking first in the circuit with a 2.01 ERA and 88 strikeouts at short-season Brooklyn. Gonzalez moves his fastball around the zone and can top out at 93 mph early in starts, but he generally pitches with a below-average fastball. He keeps hitters at bay with an above-average changeup he sells with plus arm speed. His slider plays up to average but lacks consistent power or shape, but it works so long as he stays ahead in the count. The margin for error is small for starters who lack a big fastball, but Gonzalez has a chance to develop a plus changeup with plus command, which could make him a back-end starter. He is ready for low Class A Columbia in 2017.