The New York Mets have given their fans plenty of reasons to be concerned as we approach the mid-season mark. The offense is inconsistent with only a few younger players getting an opportunity to play. The starting rotation has been decent but does not pitch deep enough into games. The defense has been disappointing all around the diamond. Lastly, the bullpen has been atrocious over the past month.
The minor league players have not been immune to this trickle-down effect either. Drew Gilbert and Jett Williams have hardly played this year, which sets their debuts further back than expected. The AAA starting staff has struggled to throw strikes, while the Single-A offense has been nonexistent. However, there is one prospect we should not get too concerned about just yet.
Colin Houck will improve as he gains more experience
The St. Lucie Mets have struggled across the board to generate offense this season. Leading the pack of ineptitude is 2023 first-round pick Colin Houck who is hitting just .204 in 44 games played. Selected as an 18-year-old from Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia, Houck received high marks for his contact ability, power potential, and immense arm strength.
Unfortunately, these scouting grades have not translated to the minor leagues just yet. In 198 plate appearances, Houck has struck out 72 times and hit his first professional home run on June 1st against the Dunedin Blue Jays. He has also committed eight errors splitting time between shortstop and third base, raising eyebrows about his defensive ability as well.
On the other hand, Houck has started to find his stride as of late. The infielder has recorded hits in 10 of his last 12 games including 7 doubles and 10 RBI during that stretch. Houck’s most impressive attribute is his plate discipline as he has drawn 23 walks in a short sample size.
Congrats to @colin_houck! His big week continues as he hits his first professional home run! pic.twitter.com/LS5wwvSFID
— St. Lucie Mets (@stluciemets) June 2, 2024
The most important aspect to keep in mind with Houck is that he is only 19 years old. If we remember back to 2014, Brandon Nimmo struggled to adapt to minor league competition as well. As Nimmo advanced through each level, he continued to improve as he gained more experience. Considering Houck finished May on a hot streak, he is starting to learn from his early professional mistakes.
Furthermore, many high school players are also drafted originally as shortstops. The Mets’ Single-A coaching staff and scouting department will assist Houck in finding a permanent position that fits his skillset best. Taking into account his tremendous arm strength and athletic ability, Houck will be best suited to splitting time between shortstop and third base.
