2025 Draft - Mets Pick - 3.102 - SS - Antonio Jiminez - University of Central Florida

 

The New York Mets selected shortstop Antonio Jimenez from the University of Central Florida with their third-round pick (102nd overall) in the 2025 MLB Draft.

A draft-eligible sophomore, Jimenez had a standout 2025 season at UCF, hitting .329/.407/.575 with 11 home runs, 14 doubles, 2 triples, 51 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 55 games. His performance earned him a spot on the 2nd Team All-Big 12 and the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award Watch List for top college shortstops.

Offensive Profile: Jimenez, a right-handed batter, showcases above-average pull-side power with a 90th percentile exit velocity of 108.4 mph, as seen at the 2025 MLB Draft Combine. His swing works best on middle-in pitches, though he has struggled with off-speed pitches, leading to a higher chase rate. After switch-hitting in high school, he now bats exclusively right-handed, improving his contact consistency.

Defensive Skills: Jimenez is a strong candidate to remain at shortstop due to his elite arm strength, once clocked at 100 mph in high school, and above-average range with smooth, quick-twitch actions. His .961 fielding percentage at UCF in 2025 highlights his reliability. If he moves positions, his arm could suit third base or right field.

Background: Originally from South Florida, Jimenez played at Archbishop McCarthy High School, where he tied Carlos Correa’s arm strength record. Undrafted in 2023, he attended the University of Miami, hitting .182 in 45 games as a freshman before transferring to UCF for more playing time. His athleticism and power potential make him a high-upside prospect, though refining his plate discipline is key for his professional development.

Mets Outlook: The Mets view Jimenez as an exciting, athletic player with plus power and arm strength, with a chance to be an above-average defender at shortstop. His $752,000 slot value reflects his value as a third-round pick, and the Mets are betting on his raw tools and athleticism to develop further in their system. 

Just Baseball –

174. Antonio Jimenez – SS

HT/WT: 6’1/200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | School: Central Florida/Transfer Portal | Age: 21

After struggling to find playing time at Miami last year, Jimenez transferred to Central Florida for his draft-eligible sophomore campaign and has turned some heads in the scouting community.

Jimenez has ditched switch-hitting, hitting from the right side of the plate only in 2025, and the results have been superb. It’s a pull-heavy approach at the dish with an affinity for heaters, as Jimenez has an 87% contact rate against them in 2025, including an in-zone rate of 93%.

There is quality power in the profile, as Jimenez boasts a maximum EV of 115.2 on the year, and his swing is made to pound the baseball in the air.

He shines defensively, where he’s got the actions, range, and supreme arm strength to handle the left side of the infield. He’s hit 100 MPH across the diamond in recent years, though accuracy can waver. Even if he outgrows shortstop, Jimenez can look the part and hold down the hot corner.

Prospect 1500

161. Antonio Jimenez, SS, UCF

Perfect Game

161

                Mack –

What you hope for is that there was one decent shortstop left in a draft of shortstops. I think 349 other shortstops were picked ahead of the Mets third round pick.

This may truly be a Best Player Available pick.

This kid sounds kinda exciting and may eat up the money left on the table with the Voit pick, but I think that will be left for a high school pick coming later today. Remember… the Mets don’t have a shitload to spend this year. Their entire draft pool was around the same amount of money they gave that IFA Elian Pena this year.

Love the defensive skllls and, especially the 100mph arm. Is this the kid that Francisco Lindor can take under his wing?

I hope we see a little of him this season.

Rating:  A-