With two more top-100 prospects, Mets rise from ashes of fire sale

At the trade deadline, the Mets became sellers. Upon closer look, however, it seems billionaire owner Steve Cohen and Co. acted more like buyers. 

After fielding the most expensive team in baseball history, Cohen used his net worth a different way. Instead of signing star veterans entering the August of their careers, the Mets owner traded said players and cash for promising young prospects.

In deals that sent pitchers Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers and Justin Verlander to the Houston Astros, the Mets forked over more than $70 million. In return, New York received several talented prospects who rank among the best in baseball. 

MLB Pipeline's recently updated top 100 prospects list features five Mets — including two who were acquired at this year's trade deadline.

Shortstop Luisangel Acuña headlines the pack as the No. 40 overall prospect in baseball. The 21-year-old — whose older brother Ronald is a star outfielder with the Atlanta Braves — was acquired by the Mets in the Scherzer deal. Over 93 games in Double-A this season, Acuña boasts a .302/.367/.431 slash line with seven home runs, 52 RBI and 46 stolen bases.

Outfielder Drew Gilbert — who was sent to New York in the Verlander deal — landed close behind at No. 57. In 87 games between High-A and Double-A, the 2022 first-round pick is slashing .272/.360/.449 with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs.

Shortstop Jett Williams (No. 84), infielder Ronny Mauricio (No. 93) and catcher Kevin Parada (No. 96) were additionally featured in the top 100.