Mets Prospect Slapped With Huge Suspension For PEDs

It's been a disaster of a season for the New York Mets, so today's news probably comes as a "what next?" type of report for Mets fans. One of the top international free agent signings by the team earlier this year has been slapped with a 56-game suspension for performance-enhancing drug use.

Mets minor league infielder Cristopher Larez has been suspended 56 games after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone, MLB announces.

Larez was one of the Mets top IFA signings earlier this year.

— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) August 21, 2023

Cristopher Larez, a 17-year-old Venezuelan, was found to have the PED Boldenone in his system. He had agreed in January to a minor league contract with the Mets that included a $1.4 million signing bonus. 

In the Dominican Summer League, playing mainly shortstop in 24 games, he hit .274 with one homer, 13 RBIs and 9 stolen bases in 12 attempts. 

Larez is the 12th player to have been suspended under the minor league drug program this year.

He's ranked as the 43rd-best international prospect in baseball. 

Photo: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports