Mets Draft Targets

With the Major League Baseball Draft coming up on Sunday, the New York Mets will try and find the next diamond in the rough and set a trajectory for the Mets to sustain long term goals and success and build a good farm system. I’m going to list 3 potential players that the Mets should target. These targets will be backed by data more than eye test.

1: LHP Joe Whitman

Whitman has been outstanding in 2023, showcasing a killer 3 pitch arsenal, which i will get into after we look at some data.

15 GS

.211 BAA

29.1 K% to 8.4 BB%

2.56 ERA

And with a low-mid 90’s FB, killer SL, above-average CH. My ceiling would be mid-rotation arm, floor would be bulk-reliever/spot starter.

Prospect Grade: (using 20-80 system.) 50

2: 3B Jake Gelof

Gelof is a raw power type of guy, but has shown an ability to get on base, which is rare when you have a guy of his power and his aggressiveness at the plate. Lets look at his stats at Virginia this past season:

269 PA

.333/.439/.753

22 HR

84 RBI

16% BB% to 16% K%

.420 ISO

1.192 OPS

His fielding is average, but is something the Mets’ can easily develop and get him right at third base, or possibly a different position. His bat is definitely high tier and could be a very efficient major league some day. My ceiling would be an everyday 3rd baseman that hits 20 HR 70 + RBI with an ok AVG, and a good OBP. Floor would be a 10-15 HR range with a bad AVG, and a bad OBP.

Prospect Grade: (using 20-80 system.) 55

3: RHP Levi Wells

I view Wells as a middle round pick, but he has really good stuff, plus along with that if the Mets can spend a 3rd or 4th round pick on him and get someone of his potential that would be a nice move for the organization. Lets take a look at his stats from this past season at Southern Miss:

14 GS

.252 BAA

27.9% K% to 8.5% BB%

5.02 ERA

He has a above average FB, good CB, average SL, average CH. His four pitches could all be really huge weapons if developed correctly. His FB has great spin, but the velocity sits in the low 90’s hitting a high of 95. This would be a developmental opportunity for the Mets to use a middle to late round pick. My ceiling would be a back end rotation guy that can give you good innings. My floor would be an AAAA player never really never finding himself in the majors.

Prospect Grade: (using 20-80 system.) 45