On Wednesday, Baseball America released their first mock draft for the upcoming 2016 Draft from June 9-11. The two players that they project the Mets to pick here, have not been seen in any mocks so far. Lets take a closer look at some of the picks that Baseball America has chosen for the Mets.
Pick #19
(sfgate.com)
At #19, Baseball America has the Mets taking RHP Daulton Jefferies. Jefferies is a righthander out of California. BA notes that his velocity has fluctuated this spring, but his stuff has him rising up rising up on some boards. Jefferies’ compact delivery has helped him bring his fastball up to 95 mph when he needs it, but it tends to sit in the low-90s. Jefferies throws his slider across his body, and has served as more of a chase pitch.
His changeup, being described as “epic” by Baseball America, has good sink and has been effective against left-handed hitters at times. Daulton is a former shortstop like deGrom, and fields his position very well. He is extremely competitive on the mound. Jefferies is very skinny and has a thin frame, which could become a bit of a risk, but he has nice stuff and a decent track record.
In 2015, he had a 6-5 record with a 2.93 ERA. He struck out 74 and walked just 17 in 80 innings. His K/BB ratio was at 4.35, but his most impressive number was his HR/9 ratio, which was at an astonishing 0.45. So far this season, he is 6-0 with a 1.29 ERA. He’s pitched in 42 innings so far and has matched his total of homers given up last year with 4, but has had a solid season so far. He may not have the upside of some, but he could profile well in the middle or back end of a big league rotation. This could be a nice pick for the Mets if they decide to go the pitching route again.
Pick #31
collegebaseballcentral.com
At #31, the Mets have been projected to take 3B Will Craig, a 3B from Wake Forest. Like Senzel, who Teddy and I mentioned in previous pieces, Craig has a very strong understanding of the strike zone. He has nice power from the right side, slugging 13 homers last year. So far at Wake Forest, Craig has had an excellent track record. Last season, Craig’s K/BB ratio was off the charts as it was sitting at a solid 0.59.
In 53 games, Craig walked 41 times and struck out 24 times. So far, in 18 games this season, Craig has 8 homers and 29 RBI. He’s walked 15 times and struck out just 8 times. He’s hitting .456. This could be a nice pick if they don’t land Senzel at #19, as he’s almost the same type of player. He would be another perfect option for the Mets, given that they’ve been picking players with that kind of approach for awhile now.
Other Notes:
- Nick Senzel was projected to be picked at #2 by the Cincinati Reds. Senzel was projected to fall to the Mets at #19 by FueledbySports.
- Another draft pick previously projected to go at #19, Kevin Gowdy was projected to be picked by the New York Yankees. Gowdy was projected to drop one more pick to the Mets by MyMLBDraft.
Not in love with the write ups of the guys, but don’t know squat about any of them, I hope someone falls to the Mets through some kind of issue.
Meanwhile, you guys might like this: http://www.amazinavenue.com/2016/3/29/11326370/2016-top-prospects-the-complete-list-of-lists
I tried my best. It was hard to get the info when there wasn’t much
John shared the same thing us here at MMN http://metsminors.net/2016-top-mets-prospects-the-list-of-all-lists/
Craig was the 2015 ACC POY, 1st Team All American for five different outlets including Louisville Slugger, D1Baseball, and Perfect Game, who also named him Midseason Player of the Year. On the watch list for Golden Spikes Award and the John Olerud Award given for the best 2 way player in college baseball.
Previously selected by the Royals in the 37th round of the 2013 draft.
Would be a good selection IMO
No way I’d pass up Benson for Jefferies in the 1st rd.
Agreed. Benson has a ton of potential. If he’s available, he’s my pick.
Same goes for Senzel
Senzel looks like a top 10 pick.
I know. Unfortunate for us, but like I said here, I think Craig is a tiny bit similar
Craig is 2 inches taller and 15-20 pounds heavier
I know, I meant in terms of approach/playing.
Meant to cancel, when I reread your reply, but it posted..I was going to add some scouts have him slated for 1B at the next level
Yeah, I see him at 1B sooner than later with his frame.
LOL, didn’t mean it on MMN’s efforts, but rather what is available on these players on BA or the MLB website. Not thrilled by the guys available in the Mets’ spots.
Oh yeah, I definitely agree. Benson and Senzel are my favorite that have been projected