Kay was the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2016 Draft and is their top pitching prospect.
After missing the whole 2017 season due to Tommy John surgery, the University of Connecticut player only made his professional debut last year.
In 12 starts with Double-A Binghamton, he had a 1.49 ERA. The left-handed pitcher struck out 70 batters in 66 1/3 innings, walked 23 batters, and held opponents to a.165 batting average.
Kay’s promotion to Triple-A Syracuse in mid-June had not yielded the same results (he has a 6.61 ERA in seven starts), but the 24-year-old was still regarded as New York’s most Major League-ready arm.
Before being promoted to Class A Advanced St. Lucie on Sunday, Woods Richardson, a 2018 second-round choice, had spent his first full Minor League season with Class A Columbia.
Over 78 1/3 innings, the right-hander struck out 97 batters while walking 17 batters, although he had a 4.25 ERA in 20 South Atlantic League starts.
According to MLB Pipeline, his fastball can reach 97 mph, and the 18-year-old already has the makings of a strong curveball and an outstanding changeup.
The Mets have traded both of their first two draft picks from last year’s draft by parting with Woods Richardson.
Jarred Kelenic, a first-round pick, was traded to the Mariners in December in exchange for Robinson Canó and Edwin Diaz from the New York Yankees.
What Team Does Anthony Kay Play For?
Anthony Kay plays for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Mets traded Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson to the Blue Jays on July 28, 2019, in exchange for Marcus Stroman and monetary considerations.