Finally things started to click for Cesar Puello, a player who has been playing for the Mets organization since he was 17, in 2013, where the 22 year-old hit .326, slugged 16 homers, drove in 73 runs and stole 24 bags. With this promising campaign, it looked that the Mets were going to have their corner outfielder of the future, but after being connected with the Biogenesis investigation and suspended for 50 games, fans wondered if Puello would still be on the fast track to the big league.

Appearing in 105 games for Triple-A Las Vegas, Puello hit seven homers, drove in 37 runs and stole 13 bases while hitting .252. These numbers were not as good as the numbers in Double-A, however in a Metsblog Q&Acast from July, Wally Backman said that Puello is a “five-tool guy” but that it “just hasn’t come together for him”. Entering this year, we have to wonder if he will put it together and become a solid contributor for the Mets.

We know that there are some constants about Puello’s game. He can steal bases, as he has stolen more than 10 bases in seven Minor League seasons, and he is quite successful when he attempts to steal. In 187 attempts, he has stolen the base safely 148 times, meaning that he has a 79% success rate at stealing. As of now, the Mets do not have many guys who can steal bases on their team, as Eric Young Jr. is not on the ball club anymore, and other than his 30 steals, Juan Lagares and Daniel Murphy were the only players with more than 10 stolen bases.

Puello also has versatility, as he has experience playing all three outfield positions. Matt den Dekker has not had much experience in right field, but is known for his great defensive work in centerfield. However, with Juan Lagares there, den Dekker is blocked from the starting lineup. Kirk Nieuwenhuis has experience playing all three outfield positions, but he has not stuck with the big league team even though he has been given chances. With den Dekker and Nieuwenhuis competing for the forth outfielder job this Spring, where does this leave Puello?

Since he completed a season in Triple-A Las Vegas last season, Puello will most likely start off his year in Las Vegas, and play most of the season there. If he were to be called up to the big leagues, it may be to help their lineup versus left-handed pitching, as he hit .312 last season against lefties. John Mayberry Jr. was brought in to play the outfield when Michael Cuddyer plays first when there is a left handed pitcher, but Puello could be another option for the Mets.

If Puello were absolutely raking in Triple-A, it would not be a surprise to see him getting called up. After the All Star break, Puello hit .286 with three homers and drove home 15 runs in 36 games. This was a promising stretch of time, but the organization will need to see more of this over a longer period of time.

With other promising outfielders coming up through the system such as Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo, these players could pass Puello on the depth chart, making it even more difficult for Puello to reach the big leagues. That is why this is the year where Puello will have to start putting his tools to use, and he has before. 2013 was a phenomenal season, and although it may be considered tainted, we saw how talented Puello is. We know he can steal bags, and that he can drive the ball. Hopefully Cesar starts off strong, and inevitably works his way to Citi Field.

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