Ryan Clifford


Not only do the Mets have one of MLB's best records, but their farm system is brimming with promising young hitters.  Ryan Clifford is one of them.  Binghamton's power-hitting 1st baseman shares Eastern League player of the week honors with teammate Jonah Tong (who retired all 20 batters he faced Saturday night while teaming with TJ Shook for the club's first-ever perfect game). Clifford, who came to New York along with the also promising Drew Gilbert in 2023 for Justin Verlander, went 9-for-19 last week -- with three home runs (two of which powered come-from-behind wins) and nine RBIs -- against the Phillies' AA club from Reading.

I caught the Rumble Ponies' games on Wednesday and Sunday and liked what I saw.  Having his 24 and 19 home runs the last two seasons, Clifford could be positioning himself as a potential replacement, should Pete Alonso leave at the end of his current two-year contract.  Or, Clifford might be trade bait if the Mets feel the greater need is another starting pitcher or centerfielder at this summer's deadline.
If you're intrigued by Clifford, Ronnie Mauricio, Nick Morabito, William Lugo and the rest of the Rumble Ponies, they're in Hartford, Connecticut this week to face the Yard Goats.


 





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