Mets Prospect, Ricky Knapp, Excelling In Single-A

Ricky Knapp (Helene Haessler/St. Lucie Mets)

Ricky Knapp is currently having the best year of his young career with the St. Lucie Mets.

After being taken in the eighth round out of Florida Gulf Coast University in the 2013 draft, Knapp has worked his way up through the New York Mets organization. Last year, he struggled in a relief role but after moving back into the starting rotation, a role he is comfortable with, he started to excel once again. He ranks third in the Florida State League with seven wins and a 1.94 ERA, second with 83.1 IP, and in the top ten of the FSL with a 1.1 WHIP.

Knapp was named the Pitcher of the Month in May by the St. Lucie Mets and has put together a strong June in hopes of winning the award again. His two best starts in the month of June were on 6/11 when he pitched eight innings, while striking out nine, and only allowing five hits, and then, on 6/27 he pitched seven innings, while striking out five, and only allowing four hits.

Knapp has been the most consistent pitcher for the St. Lucie Mets this year. In 10 of his 13 starts he has gone at least six innings while allowing two ER or fewer.

He throws a low 90s fastball, an above average changeup and slider, along with a big curve. Knapp’s stuff is not overpowering but he is able to pick his spots and keep hitters off balance by outsmarting them. In successful outings he is able to keep the ball down in the zone, induce groundball outs, while also maintaining excellent control. He projects as a back of the rotation starter in the big leagues and if he is able to continue pitching at this level Knapp will be on his way to Binghamton soon.