Mets prospect Ryan Clifford looking to build confidence, staying versatile on the field this season
One of the standouts for the Mets in the organization’s first-ever Spring Breakout showcase was Ryan Clifford.
The long left-hander had just one at-bat in the seven-inning exhibition game between prospects, but he made it count. In the first inning with two outs, the 20-year-old took a 95 mph fastball the opposite way for an RBI double to put the Mets in the lead.
Clifford, who came over to the Mets in the Justin Verlander trade with the Astros at the deadline last year, says his first camp with New York has been good and lauded the differences between the two teams.
“They've been really welcoming,” Clifford said of Mets camp after Friday’s game. “Good to see some differences between Houston and here. I really enjoy the coaching staff and the camaraderie we've got with the players going so far, and we're going to keep that going into the season as well.”
Clifford says the Mets organization has a lot more coaches and staff available to the players, which he likes. That’s especially helpful for Clifford who has been juggling first base and outfield positions since coming to the Mets.
Prior to the trade with Houston, Clifford predominantly was an outfielder but in 2023 that time has been split.
When asked if he’s feeling comfortable at first base, which he played on Friday, the prospect says he is but he can always get better.
“I’ve been good,” Clifford said.”There’s always room for improvement. But, as far as where I'm at right now, I got a good base for it and looking to continue developing there and improve.”
He believes the Mets will continue to split his time between first, left and right field in the minors this season, which Clifford says is to keep him versatile. But he’s ready to play wherever they need him to.
And while Clifford continues to get acclimated at various positions on the field, his comfort at the plate is already there.
“I think you got to have a lot of confidence in yourself when you go hit,” he said. “So for me, I think I'm feeling a lot better at the plate and looking to carry that going forward.”
Last season in high-A ball, Clifford slashed .262/.374/.854 with 24 home runs and 81 RBI. He’ll likely start the minor league season in Double-A and if he excels there he can move up to Triple-A and that much closer to a big league call-up.
With so many potential big leaguers featured in the Mets’ Spring Breakout game on Friday, like Drew Gilbert and Luisangel Acuna -- who Clifford hit behind in the 2-3-4 hole -- hopes to have that lineup in the majors one day.
“Looking back, it would be cool to have that same lineup in the big leagues one day,” Clifford said. “But as far as where we're at right now, it's really cool to be a part of [the Spring Breakout], especially if it's the first time we're doing it. There's a lot of great talent and hopefully a lot of great major leaguers.”
