Major League Baseball roster regulations, age limits, and minor league development rules strictly dictate that players must be at least 16 or 17 years old to sign international professional contracts, entering the New York Mets' extensive farm system as young prospects rather than jumping straight to major league rosters. Consequently, any exceptionally young players within the organization are developing through rookie leagues and minor league academies, working their way up toward potential future major league call-ups as their skills mature.