Jun 24, 2021; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Virginia Cavaliers starting pitcher Mike Vasil (48) throws a pitch against the Texas Longhorns during the first inning at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
With the 202nd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB First Year Player Draft, the New York Mets selected Kevin Kendall, a 22-year-old shortstop/outfielder from UCLA.
“After missing the shortened 2020 season with an injury, Kendall returned to star atop UCLA’s lineup in 2021. The big key to his success this spring was a vastly improved approach at the plate and large decrease in his whiff rate as a result, hitting for average and getting on base, where he could use his excellent speed more frequently. He’s also shown defensive flexibility in his career with the Bruins, playing center field as well as both middle infield positions.” -mlb.com
Scouts have always liked Kendall’s tools but prior to this year, his numbers were underwhelming. The left-handed hitter returned from his injury-ruined 2020 and had an OPS over 900 while also setting career highs in doubles and home runs.
The Mets have selected SS/CF Kevin Kendall with their seventh round pick.
The left-handed hitter had a .911 OPS this season for UCLA as their leadoff hitter.
— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) July 12, 2021
According to Baseball America, Kendall is an above average runner who is a plus defender at both middle infield positions and center field. Past arm injuries have made his arm strength inconsistent.
At 5’10” and 175 pounds, scouts don’t expect Kendall to hit for much power but are encouraged by his improved whiff rate in 2021 and think he’ll hit enough to stick as a multi-position bench player in the Major Leagues.
For their eighth round pick, the Mets selected 21-year-old RHP Mike Vasil out of the University of Virginia.
Mets have taken University of Virginia right-hander Mike Vasil with their 8th round pick.
He was ranked 114 on Baseball America’s Top 500.
— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) July 12, 2021
“Vasil has touched 96 mph with his fastball this spring, but it sits in the 89-91 mph range and is just an average or fringy pitch that gets very little swing and miss. Vasil also throws a curveball, slider and changeup, with most scouts preferring the change out of all his secondaries and questioning his underlying feel for spin.” -Baseball America
Vasil had a 4.52 ERA in 81.2 innings this season as a full-time starting pitcher. Scouts like his advanced command and think he could be a good pitcher for an MLB team if his velocity improves as a professional.
