With the 2016 Minor League season starting soon, it’s also good to start looking at guys who could bulk up our system in the near future. This year, the 2016 Draft will be held from June 9-June 11, 2016. I read five mock drafts, and saw which player was a possibility as the Mets first overall pick at 19. Lets take a look at these mocks and who they tab the Mets taking with the 19th overall pick.

Nick Senzel, 3B Projected by FueledbySports–  A guy who was used as a DH and a second baseman in his first two years of college, Senzel has moved to 3rd base. According to Baseball America, he has improved considerably at the position leaving scouts to believe he will stick there for the future. He dazzled many during his strong summer showing at the Cape Cod League leading in runs (33), hits (56), doubles (16), RBIs (33), extra-base hits (21), total bases (86), slugging (.558) and OPS (.976), and winning Most Valuable Player awards for the Brewster Whitecaps.

His value is in his bat, as he has plus bat speed from the right side, and a great awareness of the strike zone. He is one of the most advanced college bats this year. The primary part that needs to change is his power, as he has only produced five home runs in his first 103 games with the Tennessee Volunteers, and only one this year to date after 20+ games total. According to scouts, that has to do less with his overall strength and more with some mechanical tweaks in his swing, especially footwork. He produces hard contact, however.

Should the Mets pick Senzel, he would be a great pick to add to the depth of 3rd basemen prospects in a very shallow system, and give more talented guys at the hot corner besides Jhoan Urena. – by Teddy Klein

Bobby Dalbec, 3B Projected by Minor League Madhouse– Again, should the Mets use this pick to find a long term option to replace Wright at 3B in the near future, Dalbec could be the answer.  He definitely won’t wow you on the defensive side, but he does have some serious power. However, he will not make much contact, and strike out a lot, with 24 in 22 games so far. This past summer, he played in the Cape Cod League and led with 14 homers, but struck out 64 times in 138 at-bats. If Senzel gets picked ahead of #19, Dalbec could be a decent pick.

Kevin Gowdy, RHP Projected by MyMLBDraft– Ranked #14 by Baseball America, Gowdy could be a safe pick if the Mets want to add to their already super impressive pitching depth. Gowdy has three pitches that are above-average. His fastball sits at 90-93 mph, and being 6’4″ with a skinny frame, he has a chance to add velocity as he matures. He has a better feel for a changeup than a lot of high school pitchers, and he has also shown advanced command for his age. He has a free and easy delivery that he repeats well, so this could be a nice pick if the Mets don’t go with a bat.

Avery Tuck, OF Projected by Scout.com– Tuck was a bit of a surprise prospect over the summer, and intrigued many scouts with his raw tools and his tremendous potential. However, a major concern has been whether he can use his tools consistently. This spring, that is definitely something that many will keep an eye on. Tuck can use the whole field and has tremendous raw power from the left side of the plate and can hit line drives all over the place. The rest of his game is a bit up and down as well. He has shown plus run times, but also below times down the line. He has some length to his swing as well, which is something that I don’t really like, but can be adjusted. He has shown an above-average arm from the outfield. He has played mostly center, but he’s also played right and even some first base. I wouldn’t like this pick for the Mets, because he would be a serious project. His tools are there, but he would have to show consistency to be considered at #19.

Alex Speas, RHP Projected by Bleacher Report– Ranked #32 by BA, Speas has the chance to be the next big pitcher out of McEachern HS in Georgia, where Touki Toussaint was drafted out of. Speas has a nice 92-96 MPH fastball and he should add more velocity once he adds more strength and matures more after High School. His curveball looks very good as well, and gives him a second potential out pitch. His stuff is very strong, and his lanky frame has made him draw comparisons to Mets legend Dwight Gooden. Obviously, Speas isn’t nearly as polished as Gooden was at the same stage and has had some trouble throwing strikes on a consistent basis. He has a chance to develop into a front-line starter, but if he can’t develop a changeup and better command, he could be a late-inning reliever.

Thoughts:

I like these mocks so far, but I definitely think Senzel looks to be the best projected pick out of them all. I could see him being the heir to David Wright, especially and unfortunately since David’s time is winding down on us. Not only do I like his bat, but he has decent speed from the videos I have seen. He also looks like he is slightly a better defender than Dalbec. I like the potential Dalbec has from a power standpoint, but don’t think he’s cut out to be a big league player just yet.

Senzel just seems to me that he could wow you the more he develops. Not only that, but his approach is perfect for the Mets. He is very patient and hits to all fields, which is the approach that the Mets seem to be liking in their young hitters lately. I’m looking forward to the upcoming draft, and hope the Mets will pick up another nice college bat with their pick.