IN FOCUS - Bat Tracking, Trace Willhoite, Updated Draft Signings, Jacob Reimer, Parker Carlson, Lucas Giolito, Reid Detmers, Michael Soroka, Andrew Heaney

 

Pitch Profiler                             @pitchprofiler

Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?

Mets Analytics                          @MetsAnalytics

Checking in on the Mets’ bat tracking this season!

➡️Higher average bat speed

⬆️Higher rate of squared-up contact

Some takeaways:

Pete Alonso swings a crazy quick bat (96th percentile in MLB) and still achieves solid contact

Juan Soto’s incredible bat control makes him the only Met

 Daniel Wexler                           @WexlerRules:

Trace Willhoite in July 13/43, 4 extra base hits, 9 walks vs. 11 k's. On the season he's been incredible vs. lefties (SSS) 1.042 OPS over 41 AB's. I think he's earned a trip to Cyclones

        Deep dive…

        Trace Terry Scott Willhoite, born November 17, 2000, in Georgetown, Kentucky, is a professional baseball player currently active in the New York Mets' minor league system.

Standing at 6'3" and weighing 200 pounds, Willhoite is a right-handed hitting and throwing infielder, primarily playing first and third base. His baseball journey spans high school, college, and minor league play, marked by notable power-hitting achievements.

Willhoite first gained attention at Scott County High School in Kentucky, where he led his team in hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs, and runs scored, earning a spot on the Team Kentucky roster. His academic excellence was equally impressive, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and receiving accolades like the 2014 Scott County Middle School Male Student of the Year.

After high school, Willhoite briefly attended the University of Louisville before transferring to Northwest Florida State College, a top junior college program. There, he honed his skills against high-caliber pitchers, facing teams with multiple draft prospects. In 47 games at Northwest Florida, he batted .303, hit 5 home runs, drove in 27 RBIs, scored 40 runs, and stole 5 bases. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his 2020 season, but he returned to Northwest Florida for 2021, further showcasing his power-hitting potential.

Willhoite then transferred to Lipscomb University, where he became a standout. In 2023, as a senior, he set the program’s all-time home run record and earned Second Team All-ASUN honors. His Lipscomb team won both the ASUN regular-season and conference tournament titles, though their season ended with an NCAA Regional loss at Clemson. His time at Lipscomb was supported by close family ties, with his parents and grandparents frequently attending games.

Undrafted out of college, Willhoite played in the MLB Draft League in 2024, where he led the league in home runs. This performance earned him a minor league contract with the New York Mets.

In 2025, playing for the St. Lucie Mets, he led the team in batting average, home runs (11), RBIs (48), and OPS. A notable highlight was a three-run home run in July 2025, contributing to a 3-0 lead in a game. His performance against left-handed pitchers was particularly strong, with a 1.042 OPS over 41 at-bats. Analysts suggest he could fill a need at first base or as a designated hitter in the Mets’ system, with potential promotions to higher levels like Brooklyn or Binghamton.

Willhoite’s strengths include his aggressive, loose swing, above-average bat speed, and power potential, though his defense at third base remains a work in progress. His college business management degree and focus on personal development reflect his off-field discipline. As of July 2025, he remains an active prospect with the St. Lucie Mets, with upcoming games noted in schedules.       

        Me?

        If there is a Mets future for Willhoite... and it still is a big IF right now… it would be as a first baseman or designated hitter. There also is nothing standing in his way at Brooklyn since they currently have a couple of silent bats playing first there.

        Current St. Lucie stats through 7-20:

                        221-AB, 11-HR, 49-RBI, 7-SB, 34-BB, 64-K, .262/.370/.480/.850

                                        Love the .850-OPS

        Frankly, a great organization find.

Daniel Wexler                           @WexlerRules

Mets remaining unsigned picks

#7th RHP Cam Tilly

#14 RHP James Smith (not signing)

#18 RHP Dillon Stiltner

#19 RHP Joe Scarborough 

Eddie From Corona made a comment yesterday that Jacob Reimer isn’t getting enough press… so… here’s a deep dive followed by my thoughts:

        Jacob Reimer is a promising third baseman in the New York Mets' minor league system, drafted in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft from Yucaipa High School in California.

Born on February 22, 2004, in Redlands, CA, Reimer is a right-handed batter and thrower, standing at 6’2” and weighing 205 pounds. At 21 years old, he’s considered a high-upside prospect due to his athleticism, plate discipline, and potential for power, though he’s still developing defensively and in tapping into his raw power consistently.

Background and Draft    -              Reimer grew up in an athletic family, with his father, Brandon, a former baseball player at Concordia University, and his mother, Mariette, a high school volleyball and basketball player. His father installed a batting cage at home, serving as Jacob’s personal hitting coach, which helped hone his skills early on. Reimer played shortstop and third base at Yucaipa High School, where he hit .398 with 8 home runs in his senior year. Despite a commitment to the University of Washington, he signed with the Mets for $775,000, nearly $250,000 over slot value, choosing a professional career over college.

Professional Career        -              Reimer’s pro debut in 2022 was brief but impressive, hitting .261/.414/.478 with a home run in seven games for the Florida Complex League (FCL) Mets.

In 2023, he started with Low-A St. Lucie, posting a .280/.412/.392 line with 10 doubles, 1 home run, and 44 walks in 75 games, showcasing excellent plate discipline. Promoted to High-A Brooklyn in August 2023, he struggled slightly, hitting .203/.354/.279 in 25 games.

In 2024, injuries hampered his season. A hamstring injury in spring training delayed his start until July, and he played only 14 games with Brooklyn before another injury. He went 9-for-46 with 3 doubles and showed his discipline with 8 walks to 7 strikeouts. In the Arizona Fall League, he hit .207 with 2 home runs and 15 walks in 17 games, also experimenting in left field to increase his versatility.

The 2025 season has been a breakout for Reimer. With High-A Brooklyn, he made franchise history on April 30, becoming the first Cyclones player to hit three home runs in a game since the team became a High-A affiliate in 2021. Through his first 21 games, he slashed .318/.383/.659 with 5 home runs, 3 triples, 8 doubles, and 21 RBIs. After a strong start, he was promoted to Double-A Binghamton, where he’s continued to impress, hitting .314 with 3 home runs and a 1.033 OPS in his first 11 games as of July 7, 2025.

        Current AA stats through 7-20:  66-AB, 3-HR, 11-RBI, .242/.338/.424/.762

Scouting Report

Hitting:                 Reimer is a disciplined hitter with a 91% zone contact rate in 2023, among the highest in the Florida State League. His approach is advanced, rarely chasing pitches outside the zone, though some scouts note he can be overly passive, missing borderline pitches. His swing has been critiqued for being stiff and uphill, with an arm bar that needs refinement, but offseason work at Driveline and with the Mets’ hitting lab has improved his bat speed and contact quality. He’s shown flashes of above-average raw power, though his game power is still developing (21 extra-base hits in 102 games in 2023).

Defense:              Reimer primarily plays third base but has seen time at first base and left field. His arm strength is adequate for third, but his mobility and range are below average, and his throwing accuracy has been inconsistent in pro ball. Some scouts believe he may eventually move to first base or a corner outfield spot if his mobility declines further as he matures physically.

Speed:                  Reimer is a below-average runner, not a factor on the basepaths, with minimal stolen base production.

Future Outlook:                Reimer’s bat is his carrying tool, with potential for average-or-better hitting and power if he continues to refine his swing. His defensive position remains uncertain, but his offensive profile could make him a valuable asset regardless of where he lands on the field. He’s ranked as the Mets’ No. 20 prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 52 overall by Baseball Prospectus, though opinions vary, with some analysts like Kiley McDaniel placing him just outside the Mets’ top 10.

Notable Achievements and Context        Historic Performance: His three-homer game in 2025 marked a significant milestone, highlighting his emerging power.

Prospect Rankings:         Reimer has climbed the Mets’ prospect rankings, reaching No. 9 in 2024 before settling at No. 20 in 2025 due to injuries and the system’s depth. His 2025 performance could push him higher.

Comparisons:    MLB.com likened him to Matt Davidson, a former MLB corner infielder with power, though Reimer’s plate discipline sets him apart. Some Mets fans see shades of David Wright in his potential, though this is optimistic.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement               

Power Development:    While Reimer has plus raw power, translating it to in-game situations remains a work in progress. His 2025 season suggests progress, but consistency is key.

Defense:             Improving his range, mobility, and throwing accuracy is crucial to sticking at third base long-term.

Injury History:   His 2024 season was marred by injuries, and staying healthy will be critical for his development.

Current Status  -  As of July 2025, Reimer is thriving with Double-A Binghamton, showing significant offensive growth. His recent hot streak, including back-to-back home run games, suggests he’s unlocking his power potential, a key factor in his prospect status. If he maintains this trajectory, he could climb the Mets’ prospect rankings and potentially reach Triple-A by 2026, with a major league debut possible in 2027 or 2028, depending on his development.

                Me?

A comparison to David Wright is a little much right now. Reimer is currently having difficulty adjusting to the AA level, so he definitely can’t help the team out right now. Then, the last thing we need is another third baseman with defensive issues. Lastly, the power doesn’t seem to be developing for a future DH role.

Could he follow in Pete’s footsteps at first? Could, if the Mets would move him permanently to that position when he gets to Syracuse.

I still have him as a possible major leaguer in 2027, not earlier.

Sorry Eddie.

Mets sign UDFA RP Parker Carlson

Parker Carlson is a promising young baseball player, currently transitioning from college to professional play.

Born on February 28, 2003, in Mobile, Alabama, he has made significant strides in his career, particularly during his time at Auburn University and his recent signing with the New York Mets.

College Career  -  Carlson played for the Auburn Tigers from 2022 to 2025, showcasing steady improvement as a pitcher. His college statistics highlight his development:

2022 (Freshman): Recorded a 1-1 record with an 8.59 ERA in 5 appearances, striking out 10 batters in 7.1 innings.

2023 (Sophomore): Improved to a 1-1 record with a 4.50 ERA in 15 appearances, striking out 20 in 16.0 innings, and earning 1 save.

2024 (Junior): Achieved a 3-2 record with a 6.00 ERA in 22 appearances (team-high), striking out 23 in 24.0 innings, and earning 1 save, with a notable 3.18 ERA in his first 19 appearances and academic honors.

2025 (Senior): Finished with a 3-1 record, 4.28 ERA, 17 appearances, 29 strikeouts, and 1 save in 27.1 innings, becoming the 10th Auburn player to sign professionally in 2025.

High School Achievements

Before college, Carlson played at Faith Academy in Alabama, where he was rated No. 23 overall and No. 11 right-hander by Perfect Game. He earned 2021 ASWA 6A First Team All-State honors and led his team to the 2021 AHSAA Class 6A State Championship, posting a 2.72 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 63.0 innings during the 2019-20 seasons, and was named to the 2019 Perfect Game High Honorable Mention Preseason Underclass All-America.

Professional Career  -  As of July 18, 2025, Carlson has signed with the New York Mets, marking the start of his professional career. It seems likely that he will begin in the Mets' minor league system, though no professional statistics are available yet given the recent signing.

In his senior year of 2025, Carlson turned in a 3-1 record with a save and a 4.28 ERA, making 17 appearances and recording 29 strikeouts with just 5 walks in 27.1 innings pitched. Over his four-year college career, he pitched in 59 games, including a team-high 39 games in his final two seasons, demonstrating his reliability and growth as a pitcher.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style  -  Carlson stands at 6'1" and weighs 170 lbs, batting and throwing right-handed. Born on February 28, 2003, in Mobile, Alabama, he has been described as a competitive player with a strong strikeout ability, particularly evident in his senior year where he showed improved control with fewer walks.

Top 40 players on , market as July 31 approaches

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5591079/2025/07/09/mlb-trade-deadline-big-board-players-postseason-2/

#36                 Lucas Giolito

Age                30

Position       RHSP

Fits                 ATL, SD, TOR

Deal likelihood

Value:           Veteran starter returning to form

Analysis:      As of early June, Giolito’s 6.42 ERA suggested few teams would be interested in a somewhat costly starting pitcher who hadn’t been especially good since 2021. But Giolito has turned things around in the past month. Seemingly gaining strength and consistency in his first year back from 2024 elbow surgery, Giolito has been excellent for the past month, cutting his ERA below 4.00 and consistently giving the Red Sox six-plus innings.

He now looks more like an innings eater with some upside, pitching more like the guy who received Cy Young votes three straight seasons from 2019 to 2021. His fastball velocity is back up to 94 mph, and he’s mixing that pitch with an even assortment of sliders and changeups. Giolito's been regaining value lately.

Owed in 2025             $6.0 million

Controlled through 2026

 

#37                 Reid Detmers

Age                25

Position       LHRP

Fits                 ATL, PHI, TB

Deal likelihood

Value:           Emerging force in bullpen

Analysis:      The primary results have caught up to the peripheral ones for Detmers, who hasn’t allowed an earned run since mid-May. The lefty has above-average Stuff+ on four different deliveries as well as above-average Location+. His strikeout rate during his outstanding June was just under 40 percent. An under-the-radar candidate last time we did this, Detmers now may be too good for the Angels to move.

Owed in 2025             $579K

Controlled through 2027

 

#38               Michael Soroka

Age                27

Position       RHSP

Fits                 DET, NYM, NYY

Deal likelihood

Value:           Versatile arm seeking consistency

Analysis:      Soroka was an under-the-radar target for a lot of teams last winter, thanks to the outstanding second half he’d put together as a reliever for the White Sox. Moved back to the rotation in Washington, he’s dealt with another injury (a biceps strain this time) and some inconsistency.

Despite a pedestrian ERA, Soroka still excels at a lot of things teams really value today: He owns good strikeout, walk, and ground-ball rates, and he keeps the ball off the barrel. Plus, his experience last season makes Soroka a flexible fit: He can fill out your rotation in the short term and then slide to the bullpen later in the year.

Owed in 2025             $2.9 million

Controlled through 2025

 

#39                 Andrew Heaney

Age                34

Position       LHSP

Fits                 ARI, LAD, SD

Deal likelihood

Value:           Veteran with recent postseason success

Analysis:      After so much inconsistency early in his career, Heaney has settled into a niche these past three seasons as a reliable No. 4 starter with an ERA just over four. This is a guy who started three postseason games for the champion Rangers in 2023, and he looked like a free-agent steal for Pittsburgh until a couple of rough outings in late June ballooned his ERA. On the other hand, the strikeout rate has dipped quite a bit to below league-average, and the walk rate is up. He could make a playoff start for you, but you probably wouldn’t feel super comfortable about it.

 

Owed in 2025             $1.7 million

Controlled through 2025