Ryan Clifford’s afternoon in the All-Star Futures Game was brief, but it still gave Mets fans a little glimpse of what the organization is hoping he becomes.
Clifford was the lone Mets representative in the game and did not crack the starting lineup, but he did get onto the field at first base for the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings. His only trip to the plate came in the sixth, when he worked a six-pitch walk against Athletics prospect Jamie Arnold. The inning didn’t end well for him, though, as Clifford was doubled off first base on a line drive from Diamondbacks system prospect Kayson Cunningham, with Guardians prospect Ralphy Velazquez making the play.
The crowd at Citizen’s Bank Park made its feelings clear, booing Clifford as he came up in the sixth. That fit the moment in its own strange way: a Futures Game at the home of the Phillies, with a Mets prospect taking the heat.
Clifford, whom the Mets acquired with Drew Gilbert for Justin Verlander at the 2023 trade deadline, still stands out most for his raw power. The problem is that the rest of the game hasn’t caught up yet. He’s batting .196/.283/.395 with 16 home runs, one triple, and 12 doubles, along with 129 strikeouts and 38 walks.
And with the Mets’ first base picture looking tenuous at best after Pete Alonso’s departure, Clifford’s next step matters. If he can turn that power into a more complete offensive package, it would be a real boost for the big league club.
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