​Representing the Mets at the MLB Futures Game on Sunday afternoon was first baseman Ryan Clifford, who entered the game as a defensive replacement in the fifth inning and drew a walk in the sixth. Clifford was acquired by New York at the 2023 trade deadline when the Mets sent Justin Verlander and cash considerations to the Houston Astros in exchange for Clifford and Drew Gilbert. Since then, Gilbert was dealt to the San Francisco Giants and has since made his major league debut, while Clifford remains in the Mets’ farm system as their No. 6-ranked prospect, according to SNY contributor Joe DeMayo.
Clifford, a power hitter currently toiling for Triple-A Syracuse, has had a roller-coaster of a season in his first full year with the Chiefs’ affiliate. At 22 years old, he is slashing .196/.283/.395 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs. The raw power is evident, but he has struggled to make consistent contact, fanning 129 times over 86 games. Not one to post a high batting average, Clifford is experiencing a career-low this season, and his .678 OPS is well below his career average of .799 across 494 games at every minor-league level. Yet his on-base ability remains a strength, and even with a dip in walks, the left-handed slugger managed to draw a base on balls in his lone at-bat on Sunday against a left-handed pitcher after running the count full.
“It was great. It was fun to play in front of a big crowd and hopefully one day be back in this environment again,” Clifford said of his experience at the MLB Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park.
To reach the next step in his development, Clifford recognizes the need for greater consistency, a point he underscored after the break. “I think the first half was kind of up and down, so I’m looking to, after the break, just maintain some consistency and stay out on the field and be healthy,” he said. “Look to cut down on strikeouts and keep the power up.”
Given his elite power, New York could be inclined to promote Clifford later in the year even if his plate approach remains a work in progress, particularly with the Mets lacking a clear long-term solution at first base since Pete Alonso’s departure. At the very least, Clifford appears to be a strong candidate for a September call-up to showcase his abilities at the major league level. Earlier this year, Clifford earned an invitation to Mets spring training for the first time, where he went 2-for-20 with seven strikeouts before being reassigned to minor league camp.
Despite the disappointing results, being around major league players provided Clifford with invaluable insight into the pro life, and he expressed gratitude for the experience. “The clubhouse is great,” he said. “Everyone is open to helping out the younger guys, and I shared a locker next to Marcus Semien, so it was cool to be able to work with him every day and, overall, just to be around all the infield for the experience.”