Amed Rosario, the New York Mets top-prospect, has been called up from Triple-A and will make his MLB debut Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies.
The 21-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic was a member of the 2016 and 2017 MLB All-Star Futures Game and has been one of baseball’s most highly-touted prospects, since he signed with the Mets at the age of 16.
Rosario is most-known for his excellent defense, high-contact rate and speed on the bases. He is the youngest Met to make his MLB debut since Dilson Herrera in 2014.
Here’s what you need to know about Rosario:
1. Rosario Is Ranked As a Top Prospect
Amed Rosario
Rosario ranks fourth on Baseball America’s Midseason Top 100 Prospects list. Rosario was the Mets number two prospect after the 2015 season and number one prospect after the 2016 season. Baseball America says that he has a “plus throwing arm and range” and is a “top-of-the-order type hitter with excellent contact skills.”
MLB.com has Rosario at number two on their Top 100 Prospect list. Rosario has the “potential to be an elite-level defender thanks to his range, hands, footwork and plus arm.” He also “has excellent speed and should continue to be a base-stealing threat.”
ESPN’s Keith Law had Rosario as the top-ranked prospect in Major League Baseball.
On July 25, Rosario of part of MLB Pipelines Midseason Top 100 prospects list. It marked the first time that the top 8 prospects on the list were international players.
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For the 1st time, the top 8 prospects in @MLB are international players. More on our new Top 100: t.co/mGXS3Sl2nO
2. Roario Was Tearing Up The Minors
Rosario had a solid season at Triple-A Las Vegas. Rosario batted .328 with 7 home runs, 58 RBI, 66 runs, .367 OBP and 18 stolen bases. The Mets currently only have 25 stolen bases as a team this season. He was named to the Triple-A All-Star team. Rosario’s 7 home runs were a career-high, showing that his power has been developing as he gets older. At the time of his promotion to the Mets, Rosario was second in the Pacific Coast League with 98 hits and tied for third with seven triples.
In 54 games at Double-A Binghamton in 2016, Rosario batted .341 with 2 home runs, 31 RBI, 38 runs, .392 OBP and 6 stolen bases. Rosario started the 2016 season at High-A St. Lucie and in 66 games hit .309 with 3 home runs, 40 RBI, 38 runs, .359 OBP and 13 stolen bases. He was named to the Florida State League mid-season All-Star team. He finished the season being named co-winner of the Mets’ Sterling Minor League Organizational Player of the Year award.
In 2016, Rosario was named to the All-Star Futures Game and went 1-for-2. He was also the starting shortstop for the World team in 2017.
3. Rosario Penned a Letter to Mets Fans
After he was called up to the Mets, Rosario posted a letter to Mets fans on his Twitter page. The letter read:
Dear Mets fans, We’ve grown and made it together! To God be ALL the glory. I’m grateful to share this moment with ALL of you, specially #Mets fans who have showered me with support. Things won’t always be perfect but expect me to give you ALL of me, each and every day. Let’s create long lasting memories in our CITI. The kid from Los Mameyes, Amed.
Rosario also took to social media in July to “beg” the Mets to promote him.
4. Rosario Received The Largest International Signing Bonus in Mets History
Amed Rosario #1 of the New York Mets and the World Team bats in the first inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game
Rosario received a $1.75 million bonus after signing with the Mets in July 2012, which remains the largest amount the club has given to an international amateur player. Rosario was just 16-years-old at the time of the signing.
In 2013, Rosario made his organizational debut, playing Rookie-ball in Kingsport at the age of 17. Rosario hit .241 with 3 home runs, 23 RBI, 22 runs and 2 stolen bases against older competition. He was ranked the Appalachian League’s number one prospect.
Rosario was promoted to High-A St. Lucie at the age of 19 in 2015. Rosario hit .257 with 25 RBI, 41 runs and 12 stolen bases in 385 at-bats.
5. Rosario Is Scheduled to Bat Seventh In His Debut
.@Amed_Rosario makes his @MLB debut tonight in Colorado. #LGM
Rosario is scheduled to make his debut against the Colorado Rockies on August 1, 2017. He will bat 7th and play shortstop.
Rosario discussed his call-up via his interpreter, saying he was “excited” and he “want(s) them to think he is a good teammate that gives 100 percent.”
.@Amed_Rosario discusses his promotion and his strong relationship with @lamelaza_7. #Mets
Rosario was called up to the Mets on July 31, 2017.
It’s official! @MetsGM confirms @Amed_Rosario will join the team in Colorado tomorrow. t.co/faz8Ljqu5f
Rosario may soon be joined on the Mets by his Triple-A teammate, 22-year-old Dominic Smith, who has spent the last few seasons lighting up the Mets farm system. Smith, who plays first base, is batting .340 with 16 home runs and 72 RBI in Triple-A.
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Amed Rosario: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know