The New York Mets are set to make their first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft with the 19th overall pick.
Exploring Potential Fits for the New York Mets in the 1st Round of the 2024 MLB Draft
The Mets are a mess, and according to insiders, they’re looking for a polished college player without loud tools at No. 19 in next month’s MLB Draft. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel says the Mets are “believed to be targeting big tools and outstanding athletic testing types” and lists Vance Honeycutt, Griff O’Ferrall, Dakota Jordan, and Tyson Lewis Iowa right-hander Brody Brecht.
New York has also been linked to Oklahoma State two-way player Carson Benge in the pre-draft process. The Athletic’s Keith Law has the Mets taking Benge in his latest mock draft.
“The Mets have been linked to Benge for a while, and he offers a great combination of present hitting skill and future power if someone can help optimize his swing.”
MLB.com’s Jim Callis agreed with Law and had New York taking Benge in his most recent mock draft from early June. “The Mets seems locked in on college bats as well with Benge, Honeycutt, Kansas State shortstop Kaelen Culpepper, and Mississippi State outfielder Dakota Jordan among those in play.”
Callis’ prospecting partner at the mothership has the Mets taking North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt. There are some swing-and-miss concerns with Honeycutt, but his speed and power tools are off the charts and make it hard to pass on. He’s going to be a high-ceiling defender in centerfield at the next level, which also makes him hard to pass on at No. 19.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter also has New York taking North Carolina outfielder Vance Honeycutt at nineteen.
“There is some boom-or-bust in Honeycutt’s profile that stems from his 26.9 percent strikeout rate this spring, but he also has some of the best power in this draft class to go along with 65+grade speed and Gold Glove potential in center field. Even with the strikeouts, he is hitting .319/.419/.699 with 22 home runs and 28 steals this spring.
“This could end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft if he slips this far, and the Mets do a solid job of developing power-hitting prospects. The potential value here exceeds the risk.”
