Kevin Parada, Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Callis of MLB.com has provided an update on the higher profile unsigned drafted players from the 2022 MLB Draft. It is a mix of good news and bad news for the New York Mets.
The good news is first round pick catcher Kevin Parada is expected to sign with the team. As noted by Callis, the 11th overall selection has “a slot value of $4,780,700 and New York can push that to $5,154,490 without forfeiting a first-round pick.”
Parada was the Mets compensation for their failure to sign Kumar Rocker last year. Rocker was the 10th overall pick leaving him as the highest unsigned draft pick. According to Callis, the Mets may be stuck with the same infamy this year.
Callis predicts Mets third round pick right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat will be the highest drafted player not to sign with his drafting team. This will actually be the second time Sproat will not sign a deal with his drafting team, as he turned down the chance to sign with the Texas Rangers after they made him their seventh round selection.
In addition to Parada and Sproat, here are the remaining unsigned picks by the Mets:
- D’Andre Smith (Fifth Round)
- Jackson Jaha (15th Round)
- Jackson Lovich (19th Round)
Of these three, Smith is the only collegiate player. If Smith does not receive a deal to his liking, he does have the option to return to the University of Southern California for his junior season.
Jaha and Lovich can opt not to sign and go to college. Of note, Jaha is committed to attend the University of Oregon in the fall. Lovich is committed to play with the University of Missouri. Callis did not provide any information as to whether these two players will opt to forego signing to attend college.
