In July 2012 the New York Mets “ponied up” (relatively speaking) $1.75 million to sign an infielder from the Dominican Republic as an international free agent prospect. He rapidly escalated to the apex of the New York’s farm system prospect leaderboards — nearly as fast as the speed the franchise hoped he’d one day bring to an offense at the Major League level.
Four years later, that kid was 20-years-old going on 21, tearing up the minor leagues — mainly Triple-A Las Vegas — to the tune of a .324 AVG, accompanied by 42 extra-base hits, 19 stolen bases and 71 RBI.