On Sunday night, the Mets will select their first round pick at number 10, turning another page in franchise history. In the past handful of seasons, they have seemingly hit on all of their picks. We asked our Mets Minors staff who they thought the Mets should go with at number 10 and why:

Doug M: Gunner Hoglund, RHP Mississippi

The Mets are not adverse to spending big draft capital on a college pitcher who just underwent the knife during his draft spring. After giving over-slot money to Ginn last summer, I stare Tommy John down again, this time spending the 10th pick on Ole Miss RHP Gunnar Hoglund.

At 10th overall, I am assuming there is a good chance you can save some slot money here, and in a very deep talent pool in the rounds 2-5 range, I think this is the year to spread that money around. Meanwhile, Hoglund has among the best mound operations and sliders in the draft class, to go with a big 6’4 frame, a low 90’s fastball that can develop into more in the Mets new pitching program, and a very promising changeup.

Jack Ramsey: Colton Cowser, OF Sam Houston State

Colton Cowser has turned out to be one the most advanced college bats in this year’s class. He has played a decent center field, displayed serious power from the left side, and his 6’3 195 pound build allows for him to add on even more. He hit 16 homers in the Southland Conference to go along with 17 stolen bases in 20 attempts. His power and speed are apparent, but questions come from whether to not he profiles as a center fielder longterm. However, his arm is considered to be one of, if not his best tool, which could make right field a natural fit for him regardless of his ability to play center field.

As Doug said, this year’s draft class is a deep one with lots of talent to be had in the second-through-fifth rounds. The Mets would be smart to find a college player to take and agree with under slot, and then use remaining funds to secure prep talents in the mid rounds, as they’ve done very effectively in the last two non-Covid drafts with RHP Matthew Allan, RHP Simeon Woods-Richardson, and RHP Josh Wolf. All three had big name commitments lined up for life after high school (Florida, Texas, and Texas A&M respectively), but the Mets were able to bring them in. This could, and most likely, will be the philosophy again in 2021.

Dilip Sridhar: Kumar Rocker, RHP Vanderbilt

Admittedly I have not followed the draft as much as I would like but I do buy the smoke that they’d be in on Kumar Rocker. I think they are probably crossing their fingers that Vanderbilt right-hander will be at 10 but if not, I think high school bat will be the selection. Specifically, Colton Montgomery.

Joseph Langan: Sal Frelick, OF Boston College

I like the pick of Sal Frelick at the number 10 spot for the New York Mets. The compact outfielder from Boston College would bring a lot to the table for the organization. His above-average glove and speed make him an elite defender in center field, being able to make an immediate impact on many levels.

His size is a concern for me, but his power numbers trending upwards for the Eagles this season gives me a sense he can continue to build his strength in the minors. Frelick seems to be the ultimate gamer and a leader on and off the field, a great attribute that many clubs look for in college players. With this draft class being light on prep school hitters, the Mets’ best bet for a solid all-around player at the ten spot seems to be Frelick.

Mike Mayer: Colson Montgomery, SS Southridge High School Indiana 

Maybe it’s not the pick I would make –tough to tell until we see what was left for the Mets at No. 10) — but I believe prep shortstop Colson Montgomery is one of the Mets top targets. They’ve sent their top scouts to watch him on multiple occasions and they definitely like his upside.

A few recent mocks have the Mets taking Montgomery as well, including the latest one by ESPN.

I believe Rocker will be gone by the time the Mets pick, if not, you have to go with that type of upside. Frelick and Matt McLain have been two names frequently mocked to the Mets, and Frelick is my preferred of the two. I have serious questions about whether McLain ever has a big league bat.