In 2011, the Mets traded away a pitching prospect named Eddie Kunz to the San Diego Padres. Kunz was drafted in the first round of the 2007 draft by the Mets, and was expected to be "the closer of the future" in Queens. However, he really struggled in the minor leagues, and the Mets were happy to get SOMETHING for him when they dealt him away. They ended up receiving a first baseman by the name of Allan Dykstra.
Dykstra, was a first round pick by the Padres in the 2008 draft. After putting up a few so-so seasons with the Padres' minor league affiliates, he was traded to the Mets. In his first full season with the Mets, he hit .269 with a .389 on-base percentage and smashed 19 homers with 77 RBI. That opened some eyes in the organization, and in 2013, Dykstra has raised his stock even more. He has hit .285 with 18 home runs and 70 RBI in Double-A. He also has an incredible .452 on-base percentage.
Walks are a huge part of Dykstra's game. He has a career .404 on-base percentage, and that has certainly grabbed the attention of Sandy Alderson, who pays close attention to the OBP statistic. Dykstra is primarily a first baseman, and may not have the power to be a successful everyday player in the majors. However, his minor league stats have indicated that he could be a solid bench player.
At 26 years of age, Dykstra's ship is ready to sail. As a first round pick, he hasn't exactly lived up to expectations throughout his entire career, but in 2013 he has certainly made a name for himself. I love the fact that he is a base-on-balls machine. Also, as a first baseman, he gives Terry Collins yet another toy to play with and try out at that position.
I expect to see Dykstra with the Mets in September. He really deserves an opportunity to prove himself with the varsity squad. I understand that he would be skipping Triple-A, but as I mentioned before, at 26 years old, it is make or break time for Dykstra.
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