It may be a little too early to say it, but I believe it’s officially draft season as a popular site for Mock Drafts as MyMLBDraft has released their first mock. This year, the Mets own the 20th overall pick. MMLBD has the Mets taking a third baseman, which is perfect as the Mets’ depth in the minors at third is a bit thin. The mocked pick is Missouri State third baseman Jake Burger.
Burger is 20 years old, hits right-handed and has a nice frame at 6’2′ and 220 pounds. Missouri State has been very well known for producing mound talent, but Bill Mueller and Ryan Howard were among some of the Bears’ best ML players. Burger is hoping he can be the first position player drafted out of the school in the 1st Round.
Burger went undrafted out of high school but has since blossomed with the bat. He finished second in NCAA Division I with 21 home runs while making a run at the Missouri Valley Conference triple crown in 2016. He finished the season with a .349/.420/.689 slash line in 56 games.
As I mentioned in a previous article, this draft class is very low on college bats. However, Burger is one of the top power sources available in this draft class. He generates his pop more with strength than bat speed, which is alarming. Also, there are some worries about an arm bar in his right-handed swing. He controls the strike zone well and makes reliable contact for a slugger, so he should hit for some average as well.
Despite his large frame, he has close to average speed and decent range at third base. With his solid arm, reliable hands and admirable work ethic, he should be able to stay at the hot corner long term, which is a big plus for the Mets.
Final Thoughts:
Burger isn’t the sexiest player, and one scout even compared him to Hunter Pence for his “ability to get the job done in less than pretty fashion”. I think this would be a solid pick for the Mets. With David Wright‘s days quickly dwindling and the future at third base not yet certain, I would welcome this pick with open arms.
The Mets desperately need help in the minors at third. David Thompson had a great season, but there are concerns about him sticking there because of his shoulder, and Jhoan Urena hasn’t shown the promise he can after a breakout season in Brooklyn a few years back. If the Mets could get someone who could stick at the position and provide some insurance to David Wright and get to the bigs fairly quick, I say that’s a pretty good pick!
In general I’m not a fan of drafting based off of need, unless it pertains to pitching which is needed in abundance in today’s game. If the Mets take a hitter and there is a toolsy CF or SS available, even with the organizational depth at SS I would target that, all things being equal ranking wise. If a player like Burger is the best hitter at that spot and there is no premiere position talent equal to him, then I would be okay with that selection. I believe when you draft and develop the best talent it gives you options later on to fill the holes that arise, via trades or free agency.
Based on the mock draft released, I would have either selected pitching or a SS/CF prospect like Royce Lewis who has a higher upside.
100% agree, drafting on need when that player is likely at least 3/4 years away is a bad recipe for success. Take the best player available.