This Mets Outfield Prospect Has An OPB That's Truly Astonishing

The New York Mets are fast-tracking some of their biggest prospects to the majors this year, and there are others on the way. Many of them have unique stories that come with unique stats, but few sport a statistical profile like Edward Lantigua.

Lantigua is just 19, so in theory he’s a long way from Citi Field. But he does have one statistical claim to fame—according to Tim Boyle of Rising Apple, Lantigua has been a “quiet OPB machine” during his first two seasons.

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The quiet part may or may not be up for debate, but the OBP machine part is for real. The young cetner fielder has walked 54 times versus 64 strikeouts in his pro career so far, and in the Florida Complex League he walked 33 times with just 29 strikeouts.

Lantigua also had an OPB of .427, which led all qualified players in the Mts organization last year. In 2024, the outfielder debuted with an OPB of .397, with 21 walks in 153 at-bats.

That kind of plate profile translates, generally speaking. It’s hard to teach knowledge of the strike zone along with the ability to control it, but Lantigua has that in spades. Given his inexperience, that master of the zone is likely to improve, which means he’s got a legitimate shot to make it with the big club.

There are other things that need to happen, however. Lantigua is 6’1”, but he weights just 174 pounds, so he’s got some filling out to do. That explains the fact that he hit just four home runs over 383 plate appearances over two seasons.

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He’s also got some work to do on the basepaths. Lantigua does have the kind of speed that could make him a plus defender, but he was also caught stealing 10 times in 13 attempts, so some tutelage is needed there as well.

The outfielder will likely start the season at St. Lucie, and he may get an invite to spring training to get some of that much-needed tutelage and give the Mets a chance to take a closer look. Lantigua’s average was .282, and that combined with his OBP numbers will keep in the spotlight as he gets a chance to rise up through the ranks.

The odds are against him, as they are with nearly all 19-year old prospects, but with Carson Benge projected to make the Mets out of spring training or get close, there is a path forward for Lantigua to follow.