Mets Draft - 18th Round - 3B - Carl Stajduhar,- New Mexico

Carl Stajduhar

 



BA #356 - New Mexico annually produces huge offensive numbers under coach Ray Birmingham, and Stajduhar has done his fair share over his three seasons, including 44 homers (17 in 2017).

 

A Colorado prep product, Stajduhar plays third base for the Lobos but has below-average athleticism that should shift him to first as a pro.

 

He has a long arm stroke but average arm strength. He has gotten in better shape, losing weight prior to this season, and is an excellent competitor who can hit a fastball and has present strength to hit for plus power.

 

It's not just to his pull side either; the 6-foot-1, 210-pounder can drive the ball to the right-center field gap. Stajduhar's bat will have to carry him in pro ball.

 

Now a junior, he's hit very robustly in 2017: 58 G, 17 HR, 16 2B, 69 RBI, .350/.453/.650.

 

He has fanned 47 times in those 58 games, and astonishingly, has been HBP 30 times in 179 career games - shades of Ron Hunt.

 

From his college team's web page:

 

SOPHOMORE (2016): Was named a Louisville Slugger All-American (Third Team) and the Tony Gwynn Player of the Year by the Mountain West Conference after hitting .331 with 18 home runs (a team high), 17 doubles, 51 runs and 66 RBI (a team high) … the 18 home runs is tied for seventh on the single-season Lobo list … his 27 career home runs is tied for 10^th on the all-time UNM list … The only player to start all 62 games last season for the Lobos (seventh on the single-season list) … Enters the 2017 season having started 108 consecutive games (tied for 8^th on the all-time UNM list)

 

 

It is funny that the Mets drafted a power bat several years ago in the 18th round - Travis Taijeron.  Stajduhar is listed at 6'1, 210.  I love power bats - let's see what he can do.