In his most recent mock draft, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projects the Mets to select Josh Knoth, a right-handed pitcher out of Patchogue-Medford High School in New York, with their first selection of the 2023 MLB Draft.

The Mets last selected a prep right-hander with their first selection in 2002. That year they drafted LHP Scott Kazmir (15th overall).

McDaniel credits Knoth “with arguably the best stuff in the draft behind [LSU RHP Paul] Skenes” due to a demonic curveball that can spin up to 3,100 RPMs and can garner 70’s from traditional scouts. According to MLB.com, Knoth’s arsenal also includes a fastball which he has thrown at 96 MPH, though with poor shape.

McDaniel adds that the Knoth is from Long Island, an area that the club has previously heavily scouted. In an interesting coincidence, former Mets RHP Marcus Stroman is an alum of Knoth’s high school.

MLB Pipeline rates McDaniel as the 109th best prospect in the class.

In addition to McDaniel, Miami 3B Yohandy Morales has recently gotten buzz from New York. ESPN’s report acknowledged the Mets interest but noted it’s unlikely for Morales to fall to 32. Other names that the Mets have been connected to include Wake Forest 3B Brock Wilken and prep shortstop Kevin McGonigle.

Among the first four rounds, the Mets hold picks 32, 56, 91, 101, and 123. Their first-round pick was knocked down 10 spots as a result of the team exceeding the luxury tax threshold. The club received an extra selection for failing to sign current Florida RHP Brandon Sproat last year. The draft will kick off on Sunday, July 9th, and run through Tuesday, July 11th.