Some investments take time to mature; blue-chip stocks, startup companies, fine wine, and New York Mets prospects who are signed before they’re even old enough to drive after dark. When the team landed a flashy international shortstop, nobody expected him to light up the majors at 17. Still, they probably weren’t expecting a batting average that starts with a point-zero either. It’s far too early for panic or proclamations, but the debut chapter has been more “learning curve” than a “coming-out party.” Patience is part of the plan. And while the early returns have been quiet, there’s still plenty of time for things to take shape.

The NY Mets are betting on Elian Peña’s upside, but his early struggles have kept fans waiting for a breakthrough.

Peña arrived with all the trimmings of a future star. A $5 million signing bonus, the largest the Amazins’ have ever handed out to an international prospect, tends to come with some lofty expectations, even if the player cashing the check isn’t old enough to vote. The 17-year-old shortstop out of the Dominican Republic brought high praise, electric tools, and a top-three ranking among MLB’s international class. The early returns, though, have been far from electric.

Assigned to the Mets Orange team in the Dominican Summer League, Peña has struggled to get going through his first taste of professional baseball. Across 29 at-bats, he’s managed just a single hit, good for a .034 average and a .228 OPS. He has swiped three bases, showing off some of the speed that made him such an exciting signing, but the bat has yet to follow. He finally broke through on Saturday with his first official hit, a base knock against the Blue Jays Red squad in his tenth game of the year.

Monday’s game offered a flash of what the Mets hope to see more of. Peña homered in his first at-bat, a swing that momentarily lifted his stat line and perhaps some pressure. But the weather interrupted the fun, suspending the game before it could go final. It won’t be resumed until August 2, meaning his first organizational homer will have to wait to show up in the box score.

The Mets have emphasized long-term development with Peña, and early growing pains aren’t uncommon for players adjusting to professional pitching for the first time. With tools that made him one of the most coveted international prospects this year, the focus, for now, remains on experience, reps, and the slow build that often comes with a teenager’s first taste of pro ball.