The Mets have a *Lot* of Young Pitching

The Mets just acquired Zack Wheeler from the Giants minor-league system. He is considered to be someone whose "upside" is that of a #1 Major League starter. He is 21 years old, and is projected to be Major League-ready sometime very late next year or, more likely, in 2013. Matt Harvey, the ace of the Mets' AA-level affiliate, is 22, projects to be ready about the same time as Wheeler, and also looks like a potential #1 starter. 21-year-old Jeurys Familia, also at the AA-level, has had success this year though he is in the midst of getting over a minor injury. Jenrry Mejia, also 21 years old, is already at the AAA level, though he is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery; however, given the nature of that surgery, there's no real reason not to expect him to still be good when he gets back to pitching.

Add that to Jonathan Niese and Dillon Gee, 24 and 25 years old respectively, who both have 10 wins for the Mets already this year with potentially ten more starts to go. That's six good young pitchers in the Mets' system at some level. I've heard people suggest that Familia is more of a closer type than a starter anyway, which is convenient since somebody from that list has to end up not being in the Mets' rotation. Assuming we don't trade Johan Santana, which I really hope we don't, only four of these guys can be in the rotation prior to 2014. But that's okay, it never hurts not to rush pitching prospects, and the fact remains that the Mets are loaded with outstanding pitching prospects. It strikes me that this team might be kinda good over the next few years.