Justin Guerrera, Photo via Fairfield Baseball
Round 17, Pick 502: LHP Nick Zwack – Xavier
The Mets selected Xavier southpaw Nick Zwack with their seventeenth selection in the 2021 draft. The senior pitched to a 3.15 ERA over the course of 80 innings, striking out 75 and walking 33 in the Big East.
The most recent scouting report on Zwack comes from 2016 after his commitment to Xavier, stating that at 18, Zwack had a “Projectable frame that should add strength. Clean arm action from OT slot with minimal effort. Solid velocity increase since previous event. Has maintained improved velocity through summer. Fastball is thrown downhill with solid command at 82-87 mph; touching 88 mph. 12/6 breaking ball has above avg. shape and depth. Tends to fall off on changeup occasionally creating flat action.”
Zwack struggled at the end of the 2021 season, allowing 5 earned runs in 3.1 IP in his final two appearances of the Big East Tournament against the UConn Huskies, before Xavier would go on to win the tournament. He was inconsistent at best during his season, failing to string together productive outings consecutively.
Round 18, Pick 532: RHP Kolby Kubichek – Texas
The Mets took Texas RHP Kolby Kubichek with their 18th pick. At 6’0″, 180 Lbs, Kubichek still has room to add on muscle and weight to his frame with the Mets. His fastball sits in the low 90s, but with potential to add on more. Kubichek was named as a prospect to watch on CBS Sports‘ top prospects at the College World Series.
Dustin McComas of Orange Bloods, a UT sports website, speculated that it is possible for Kubichek to return to Texas, even. if drafted. He stated that “I think he’d have a professional opportunity if he made it clear to teams he wanted one and would sign. That said, he barely pitched to end the season and didn’t show enough this season to make scouts want to take a chance. Will he want to move on? Will he want to come back and try to win a rotation spot again? I’m not sure at this point.”
Round 19, Pick 562: C Drake Osborn – Lafayette
Ragin Cajun Drake Osborn is the first catcher selected by the in the 2021 draft. He slashed .337/.416/.497 in his 2021 season with 3 dingers to go along with that. Osborn was placed on the Buster Posey Catcher’s Watch List in 2019, and did not disappoint in his first full season after in 2021.
In his senior year of high school, Osborn was included in the Next College Student Athlete recruiting database, in which he submitted the following personal statement: “As long as I can remember I have wanted to play baseball at a high level. That being the case, I developed three core concepts that would allow me to develop into an impact player on and off the field; I think about and thrive to accomplish these three objectives in everything I do. Balance is the key to success; when I work hard in the classroom and at the game of baseball I lead by example, nothing needs to be said, and my teammates are clear on the direction I am leading them. I can excel and lead in your program!”
Osborn has had his eye on the prize form the jump, and appears to be from a high character model that can fit right into any clubhouse or organization.
Round 20, Pick 592: SS Justin Guerrera – Fairfield
The Mets rounded out their draft with their 18th straight college player, shortstop Justin Guerrera from Fairfield University. Guerrera and McLoughlin become the second set of teammates drafted by the Mets this year along with J.T. Schwartz and Kevin Kendall by way of UCLA.
The Connecticut native hit .340/.406/.685 for Fairfield in 2021 play, including 13 long balls and 8 stolen bases. A 2018 scouting report on him said that Guerrera is a “right-handed hitting middle infielder. Has done a remarkable job of bulking up the upper body, adding physical strength and buggy whip to the swing. The bat has a tee exit velocity of 89 mph. The setup is event with his feet, uses a big pick up and put down of the front foot as the ball approaches. The swing is in and out of the strikes zone, needs to flatten out vs college pitching. The hands are strong and he gets the barrel there. Expect solid offensive production out of him. Ran a 6.8 sixty on the laser and did it with ease. Threw 78 mph across the infield out of a quick release and soft hands. The glove is solid and he can pick, it, ideal slot to handle the pivot. I like him as a player, more than likely a college draft.”
The Mets selected 19 college players overall, headlined by Kumar Rocker at number 10. Calvin Ziegler was the lone high schooler selected at number 46. The signing deadline for draft picks is August 1st. Mets Minors will have you covered with al of the latest developments from the 2021 draft.
