MACK - 10 Targets For Mets Second Pick In The Draft

 

Moving on, here are 10 Mets targets for pick 3.102 that I believe are worth considering :

 

LHP Aiden Stillman – Trinity Prep (FL)

Aiden Stillman is an 18-year-old left-handed pitcher (LHP) and outfielder (OF) from Trinity Prep High School in Winter Park, Florida, standing at 6'3" and weighing 190 pounds. He bats right and throws left.

Stillman is a highly regarded prospect in the Class of 2025, ranked as the No. 1 player in Florida and No. 50 nationally by some scouting services. His fastball reaches 90-93 mph, peaking at 95 mph, with good life through the zone. He complements it with a top-down curveball in the upper 70s, a harder, sweepier breaking ball, and a low-80s changeup that shows promise with further development. His clean delivery, high three-quarters slot, and deceptive crossfire landing enhance his pitching arsenal.

Stillman played for the USA Baseball 18U National Team in 2024, where he was one of three pitchers to make multiple starts, throwing eight shutout innings with five strikeouts and one walk, helping the team win gold at the World Championships.

He’s a three-sport athlete (baseball, basketball, golf), a team captain, and a member of the Cal Ripken All-World Series Team and All-State Team. Initially committed to Virginia, he flipped his commitment to Vanderbilt University on June 19, 2025, after Virginia’s coach Brian O’Connor moved to Mississippi State. Stillman is also noted for his community involvement, co-hosting a USA Baseball Homegrown Clinic in Winter Park on June 7, 2025, to teach local kids baseball fundamentals.

As a draft prospect, he’s rated No. 104 by MLB Pipeline with a Baseball America grade of 50/Extreme, indicating high potential but also draft risk due to his college commitment. His athleticism, projectable frame, and feel for spin make him a standout, though he’ll need to navigate the 2025 MLB Draft

 

LHP Talon Haley – Lewisburg HS (MS)

Talon Haley is a left-handed pitcher (LHP) and first baseman from the Class of 2025, hailing from Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch, Mississippi. He’s a Vanderbilt signee and ranked as the No. 5 player in Mississippi’s 2025 class by Prep Baseball Report. Standing at 6’2” and known for his athletic build, Haley has made waves as a two-way prospect with significant upside on the mound. His participation in high-profile events like the 2025 Prep Baseball Super 60 Pro Showcase in McCook, Illinois, highlights his status as one of the top talents in his class.

Pitching Repertoire

Fastball (FB): Haley’s fastball has been clocked up to 94 mph, showing significant velocity gains from earlier reports of 87 mph. It features heavy arm-side life and good extension, making it a plus pitch with carry and deception. His ability to throw it for strikes consistently adds to its effectiveness.

Curveball: While specific details on his curveball are less documented in the provided sources, it’s noted that he has a three-pitch mix, suggesting a breaking ball with depth, likely a curveball with 11/5 shape, as is common for pitchers with his profile.

Change-up: His change-up has been described as having some cut, ranging between 63-65 mph in earlier showcases, though it’s likely improved as he’s developed. This pitch complements his fastball by keeping hitters off balance.

Mechanics: Haley has a loose, whippy arm action with a high ¾ slot and good rhythm in his delivery. His balanced, tall-and-fall approach on the mound enhances his ability to generate velocity and maintain control.

Two-Way Talent: Beyond pitching, Haley plays first base and has shown offensive potential. At the 2017 Top Prospect Games, he hit a double to right-center, displaying a line-drive approach with an 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, he’s reliable with accurate throws across the diamond.

 

Resilience: A recent X post highlighted Haley’s inspiring comeback story, noting his recovery from cancer and arm surgery to now dominating with a 94 mph fastball, drawing significant attention from over 50 MLB scouts.

Scouting Buzz: His performance at Vanderbilt has generated considerable MLB Draft interest, with his fastball velocity and overall stuff marking him as a potential high draft pick.

 

RHP River Hamilton – Sam Barlow HS (OR)

River Hamilton is a right-handed pitcher (RHP) from the Class of 2025, hailing from Barlow High School in Gresham, Oregon. He is a highly regarded prospect, ranked No. 53 in Baseball America’s 2025 MLB Draft rankings. Initially committed to Oregon State, Hamilton flipped his commitment to LSU in October 2024, a significant move for the Tigers’ recruiting class. At 6’3” with a lanky, projectable frame, Hamilton is noted for his loose, whippy arm speed and premium talent, drawing comparisons to other Oregon-born first-round picks like Mick Abel (2020) and Noble Meyer (2023). His athleticism and physical projection suggest he has the potential to develop into a high-velocity pitcher with significant upside.

Pitching Repertoire

Fastball (FB): Hamilton’s fastball is his standout pitch, reaching up to 95 mph and showing potential to hit the upper 90s as he matures. It features good life, with carry and swing-and-miss potential when located in the strike zone. The pitch’s effectiveness comes from his ability to generate velocity with a fluid delivery and quick arm action.

Slider: His slider, in the low-80s, is more advanced than his changeup and displays good depth with sweep and late bite. It has the potential to develop into a plus pitch, capable of missing bats due to its sharp movement and ability to keep hitters off balance.

Changeup: The changeup is the least developed of his three-pitch mix but shows promise with heavy fade. While not as polished as his fastball or slider, it provides a complementary offering to disrupt hitters’ timing, with room for refinement as he progresses.

Mechanics: Hamilton’s delivery is characterized by a strong lower half and fluid motion down the mound, contributing to his velocity and deception. His loose arm action and quick arm speed enhance his ability to generate power, though his command is still a work in progress and will require refinement.

Scouting Buzz: Scouts see Hamilton as a high-upside arm with the potential to climb draft boards, especially if he continues to add velocity and polish to his secondary pitches. His performance at LSU and in pre-draft showcases will be critical for his draft stock in 2025.

 

RHP Nate Snead – Tennessee

Nate Snead is a right-handed pitcher (RHP) from the Class of 2022, born on March 16, 2004, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. A standout at South Milwaukee High School, he played college baseball at Wichita State University in 2023 before transferring to the University of Tennessee, where he emerged as one of the top relievers in college baseball. At 6’2” and 212 pounds, Snead’s athletic, quick-twitch frame and high-velocity arm have made him a notable prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, ranked No. 113 overall and No. 27 among right-handed pitchers by MLB.com.

Repertoire

Fastball (FB): Snead’s signature pitch, a “thunderous heater” that sits 95-97 mph and can touch 101 mph. It features more sink than carry, making it a powerful pitch when located well, though it can be hit if not precisely placed. Scouting grade: 60.

Slider: A tight, mid-80s slider with inconsistent shape but above-average potential, generating significant whiffs due to its late bite. Scouting grade: 55.

Cutter: A mid-80s offering that complements his fastball, adding variety to his arsenal. It’s effective in keeping hitters off balance. Scouting grade: 55.

Curveball: Less developed than his other pitches, it shows decent depth but lacks consistency. Scouting grade: 45.

Changeup: A developing pitch with some fade, used sparingly but with potential to become a solid secondary offering. Scouting grade: 45.

Mechanics: Snead’s quick arm action and fluid delivery contribute to his velocity. His control (scouting grade: 50) is solid but needs refinement to maximize his stuff, especially as he transitions to a potential starting role in 2025.

Scouting Buzz: His 101 mph fastball, recorded during Tennessee’s 2024 SEC Tournament run, drew significant attention from scouts, with over 50 reportedly tracking him.

 

RHP Michael Lombardi – Tulane

Player Profile

Name: Michael Lawrence Lombardi

Born: September 20, 2003, in Norwalk, Connecticut

High School: Fox Lane High School (Bedford, NY)

College: Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)

Position: Relief Pitcher (RHP), Third Baseman, Second Baseman

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Physical: 6’3”, 201 lbs, athletic and projectable build

Draft Prospect: A 2025 MLB Draft prospect, ranked among the top 100 relievers in the country by D1 Baseball (No. 98) and a Preseason All-AAC selection by Perfect Game.

Background: Lombardi is a two-way player who has shown versatility as a pitcher and infielder. His athleticism (7.19-second 60-yard dash) and physical growth (added 2 inches to his frame) have boosted his prospect status.

Pitching Repertoire

Fastball (FB): Lombardi’s primary pitch, sitting 92-94 mph and touching 97 mph. It features 22 inches of carry from a low release height (5’8” RelH) and a flat -4.6° vertical approach angle (VAA), contributing to a 32.5% in-zone whiff rate and a .165 batting average against at a 54% zone rate. The pitch’s downhill plane and high spin rate (up to 2256 RPM) create a heavy, deceptive effect in the strike zone.

Curveball (CB): A developing pitch in the 71-73 mph range with 11/5 shape and late depth. While it flashes potential, it remains a work in progress, with inconsistent command but the ability to generate swing-and-miss when located well.

Changeup (CH): A secondary offering at 78-79 mph, showing downer action and arm-side fade. Like the curveball, it’s still developing but has shown promise as a quality third pitch to complement his fastball

 

Performance: In 2024, Lombardi posted a 2.14 ERA over 23 outings (6 starts) with a 43.5% strikeout rate, showcasing his dominance as a reliever. His ability to attack the zone (54% zone rate) and limit damage (.165 BAA) highlights his effectiveness. He was named to the AAC’s Weekly Honor Roll in March 2025 for his contributions to Tulane’s 15-5 start.

 

Mechanics: Lombardi employs a repeatable delivery with a side rocker step, medium leg lift, and a quick, high ¾ release from a medium arm circle. His balanced, medium-tall posture and moderate pace enhance his ability to command his fastball.

 

C Trent Grindlinger – Huntington Beach HS (CA)

Trent Grindlinger is a highly regarded high school baseball catcher from Huntington Beach High School in California, part of the class of 2025. Here’s a comprehensive overview based on available information:

Background and Commitment

• School and Commitment: Grindlinger, a senior at Huntington Beach High, initially committed to Mississippi State but flipped his commitment to the University of Tennessee in May 2025 following the firing of Mississippi State’s head coach Chris Lemonis. He cited Tennessee as his "dream school" since eighth grade, influenced by his admiration for former Tennessee players like Jordan Beck, Drew Gilbert, and Christian Moore.

• Family: He comes from a baseball family. His younger brother, Jared Grindlinger, a freshman pitcher/outfielder, is the No. 3 player in the 2027 class and also plays at Huntington Beach. Their older brother, Brad, was a star pitcher at the same school.

Athletic Profile

• Position and Physical Stats: Grindlinger is a right-handed hitting catcher, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing approximately 210 pounds. His size is notable for a catcher, but he’s praised for his athleticism, flexibility, and ability to stick at the position.

• Defensive Skills: He’s recognized for elite catch-and-throw abilities, with a plus arm and pop times consistently under 2.0 seconds (best recorded at 1.78-1.97 seconds). His arm strength is measured at 83 mph from the catcher position, and he ranks in the 99th percentile for pop time and catcher velocity. His glove work is described as soft and quiet, indicating potential for impact defense.

• Offensive Skills: Grindlinger is a power-hitting prospect with a 99 mph max exit velocity and an average of 91 mph. His swing is designed to lift the ball, producing line drives and deep fly balls, with a max hit distance of 368 feet. He shows good plate coverage, a knack for opposite-field hitting, and a strong sense of the strike zone. Scouts project he could develop into a 20+ home run threat. In the 2024 high school season, he batted .333 with 13 doubles, three triples, and 30 RBIs, helping Huntington Beach reach the CIF Southern Section Division 1 and CIF State SoCal Regional Division I semifinals.

• Athletic Metrics: He runs a 7.92-second 60-yard dash, with 1.84 and 4.33 splits in the 10- and 30-yard dashes, and has a 24.20-inch max vertical jump.

 

1B Jared Jones – LSU

Jared Roger Jones – LSU First BasemanBackgroundPersonal Details: Born August 1, 2003, in Marietta, Georgia. He’s 6-foot-4, 246 pounds, bats and throws right-handed. He’s the youngest of five children, with three older sisters and one older brother. His father played football at Georgia Southern (1985-89). Jones is majoring in sport administration at LSU.

High School: Attended Walton High School in Marietta, GA, where he was a standout player. Ranked No. 4 catcher nationally and No. 1 in Georgia by Perfect Game, but transitioned to first base in college. He posted a .450 career batting average, .582 on-base percentage, and .814 slugging percentage, with 144 hits, 35 home runs, and 112 RBIs. He was a Perfect Game All-American Classic participant and ranked No. 47 overall prospect nationally.

 

College Career at LSU

2023 (Freshman Season): Named Second-Team Freshman All-American (NCBWA) and Freshman All-SEC.

SEC Co-Freshman of the Week (March 13, 2023) after hitting .600 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in a week, including four consecutive homers over two games against Samford.

Batted .600 (6-for-10) with four homers and 11 RBIs from March 6-12, 2023. Notable performances included a 4-for-5 game with seven RBIs against Texas A&M (March 18, 2023) and three doubles at Tulane (April 11, 2023).

Contributed to LSU’s 2023 National Championship, hitting .450 in key games like the Round Rock Classic.

Second-Team All-Louisiana and SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Sophomore Season):    Hit .301 (69-for-229) with 14 doubles, two triples, 28 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 56 runs. His 28 homers tied for the fourth-highest single-season total in LSU history, matching Matt Clark’s 2008 mark.

Ranked No. 2 in the SEC in walks (59), No. 5 in home runs, No. 5 in slugging percentage (.747), and No. 9 in total bases (171).

Named to the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional All-Tournament Team, hitting .538 (7-for-13) with two homers, four RBIs, and a .739 on-base percentage.

Hit a grand slam in the SEC Tournament win over Kentucky (May 22, 2024) and a two-run homer to erase a deficit against Northwestern State (May 7, 2024).

Voted to the Astros Foundation Classic All-Tournament Team (.455, three doubles, one homer).

Notable game: 4-for-5 with three homers, one double, six RBIs, and four runs against McNeese (April 9, 2024), tying the LSU single-game home run record.

 

2025 (Junior Season):  Preseason Accolades: Named No. 1 First Baseman in the nation by D1Baseball.com and First-Team Preseason All-American. Rated No. 39 Top College Prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft by D1Baseball.com.

Early 2025 Performance: Hit his first home run of the season, with posts on X noting his potential for a 30+ homer season. Showed improved discipline, reducing whiff rates (12% overall, 8% on sliders, 19% on 92+ mph pitches, 21% on elevated fastballs) and cutting strikeout rate by 14%, positioning him as a potential second-round draft pick.

Leadership: Described as the “soul” of LSU’s 2025 College World Series (CWS) push, leading the team with his personality and performance. Hit a walk-off RBI single against Arkansas (June 2025) to propel LSU to the CWS Finals against Coastal Carolina. Batted .330/.423/.630 with 22 homers and 76 RBIs in 66 games, with 64 career home runs ranking third in LSU history.

 

3B Murf Gray – Fresno State

Full Name: Triston Allen Gray

Nickname: Murf

Born: December 30, 2003, in Madera, California

Physical Stats: 6-foot-4, 210-230 pounds (weight varies by source), bats right, throws right

High School: Madera South High School, Madera, CA

College: Fresno State University (Fresno, CA), kinesiology major

Personal: Son of Monet and Fernando Gray, has four siblings (Darien, Jalen, Nathan, Ryan). Enjoys basketball, bowling, swimming, and video games. His favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant for his work ethic.

High School Career Achievements: Four-year letter winner at Madera South High School, led the Stallions to a Division IV championship.

Stats (Senior Year): Hit .348 with a .460 slugging percentage, tallied 31 hits (14 extra-base hits), and scored 23 runs. Also posted a 1.16 ERA as a pitcher, earning the all-time strikeout record at his school.

Accolades: 2021 First Team All-CMAC, Madera Tribune Player of the Year, Madera South Team MVP, Cal-Hi Sports First Team All-State.

 

College Career at Fresno State

2023 (Freshman Season):  Named 2023 Mountain West Freshman of the Year and earned Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors seven times, five consecutively.

Started 44 games at third base, appearing in 51 total. Hit .297 with 54 hits in 182 at-bats, 29 runs, 38 RBIs (second on team), eight home runs (third on team), and a .495 slugging percentage. Accumulated 90 total bases (fourth on team).

Defensively: Recorded 30 putouts and 58 assists at third base with a .971 fielding percentage, though he had four errors.

Highlight: Hit two home runs and drove in four RBIs against nationally ranked UC Santa Barbara (April 1, 2023).

2024 (Sophomore Season):  Hit .296/.358/.504 with 10 home runs, 28 extra-base hits, and 52 RBIs in 61 games.

Named 2025 Mountain West Co-Player of the Year and Mountain West Tournament MVP (May 2025).

Summer League: Played for the Wareham Gatemen in the Cape Cod League, hitting .296 with 46 hits (second in the league).

Helped Fresno State reach the NCAA Tournament, though the team went 2-0 in their regional.

2025 (Junior Season):  Preseason Accolades: Ranked No. 83 prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft by MLB.com and No. 135 on the top-200 prospect list.

Named to the Mountain West Conference All-Tournament Team and led the conference in sacrifice flies.

Key Stats: Posted a .324 batting average (third in Mountain West), .398 on-base percentage (fourth), .639 slugging percentage (first), and 1.037 OPS (first) among qualified Fresno State players.

Scouting Report

Batting:   Gray is a complete hitter with plus bat speed and above-average power to all fields. His 95% in-zone contact rate (97% against fastballs) showcases elite bat-to-ball skills. He’s still learning to fully tap into his power, with 10 homers in 2024 and potential for more. His swing is described as crisp, with comparisons to Aaron Judge for his ability to use the entire field.

Power: Scouting grades give him a 50 (average to above-average) for power, with 28 extra-base hits in 2024. His 6-foot-4 frame and explosive swing suggest he could develop into a significant power threat.

Defense: Plays third base with a plus arm (scouting grade: 55-60, above average). His arm strength is a standout, but he needs to improve footwork and hands to stick at third base long-term. Recorded a .971 fielding percentage in 2024 but had four errors in fewer chances than the prior year, indicating inconsistency.

Speed: A slower runner (scouting grade: 30, below average), which is less critical for his role but could be a concern at third base, where quick reactions are needed.

Overall Grades: Hit: 55 (above average), Power: 50, Run: 30, Field: 45 (average), Arm: 55

OF RJ Austin – Vanderbilt

Background    Full Name: RJ Austin

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

High School: Pace Academy (Atlanta, GA)

College: Vanderbilt University, double majoring in sociology and communication

Physical Stats: 5-foot-11, approximately 180-190 pounds, bats and throws right-handed

Draft Eligibility: 2025 MLB Draft, ranked No. 79 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Draft Prospects list

High School Career: Austin was a standout at Pace Academy, playing for the renowned 643 DP Academy, where he competed against top-tier competition. He was initially recruited by Vanderbilt as a two-way player (pitcher and infielder) during his 16U season but focused on proving himself as a position player, particularly at shortstop.

Rankings: Rated No. 86 by Baseball America and No. 87 by MLB Pipeline among draft-eligible amateurs in 2022, indicating first-round potential as a high schooler. He opted to attend Vanderbilt over entering the 2022 MLB Draft.

College Career at Vanderbilt

Position Versatility: Originally a middle infielder (primarily shortstop) for his first two years at Vanderbilt, Austin transitioned to a utility role in 2024, playing both infield (first base, third base) and outfield (center field). His adaptability is a key asset, with coaches utilizing him wherever needed.

2023 (Freshman Season):  Carved out an everyday role, Stuarts Draft, earning 18 extra-base hits and 43 RBIs.

Showed versatility by playing multiple positions due to Vanderbilt’s deep roster.

2024 (Sophomore Season):  Breakout performance in the Cape Cod League, batting .327/.426/.376 with 13 RBIs in 29 games, showcasing his contact skills and speed.

Played multiple positions, including center field and third base, during the summer.

2025 (Junior Season)  Posted a career-best season, batting over .350 through the first 19 games, leading Vanderbilt with 26 hits and three triples.

Earned a spot on the 2025 Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List, recognizing him as a top amateur player.

Hit a 112 mph home run to dead center early in the season, demonstrating growing power.

Scouting Report

Batting: Austin is a contact-oriented hitter with an 80% contact rate and exceptional in-zone contact (97% against fastballs). His approach is aggressive, with a love for fastballs, and he’s shown increasing power, with a max exit velocity of 112 mph in 2025 and 107.2 mph in 2024. His swing produces line drives and gap-to-gap hits, with average or better raw power, particularly to his pull side.

Power: Scouting grade of 50 (average to above-average), with potential for further growth as he’s grown more physical at Vanderbilt. His 110+ mph exit velocities suggest he could develop into a 15-20 home run hitter.

Speed: A plus runner, Austin ran a 3.60-second 30-yard sprint (top 10 at the 2024 MLB Draft Combine) and jumped 10-foot-6 in the broad jump (first overall). His speed enhances his defensive range and base-stealing ability (four stolen bases in 2024 for USA Baseball).

Defense: A “shutdown defender” with a big arm (scouting grade: 55-60, above average), Austin’s speed and instincts make him effective in center field and third base, though he’s likely to settle in the outfield long-term due to his arm strength and range.

Scouting Grades (MLB Pipeline scale, 20-80):

Hit: 55 (above average)

Power: 50

Run: 60 (plus)

Field: 55

Arm: 55-60

 

OF Blaine Bullard – Klein Cain HS (TX)

Full Name: Blaine Bullard

School: Klein Cain High School, Houston, Texas

Class: 2025

Commitment: Texas A&M University (committed November 22, 2021, per his X post)

Physical Stats: 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, switch-hitter, throws right-handed

Position: Outfielder (primarily center field)

Age at Draft: 18.9 (projected for July 2025 MLB Draft)

High School Career Achievements:  Named MVP of the 2024 AABC Don Mattingly World Series, highlighting his rising stock among scouts.

Contributed to Klein Cain’s competitive performance in Texas high school baseball, though specific team achievements (e.g., playoff runs) are not detailed in the provided sources.

Performance: Bullard has been trending upward during the 2025 spring season, noted for his quick-twitch athleticism and consistent performance on the summer circuit.

Scouting Report

Batting: Bullard is a switch-hitter with a clean swing from both sides of the plate, showcasing strong bat-to-ball skills. He sprays the ball across all fields, indicating a versatile hitting approach. His contact ability is a standout, with scouts praising his ability to make consistent contact, though his power is still developing.

Power: Currently projects as a potential 15-home-run-a-year player as he matures and adds strength to his 6-foot-2 frame. His power is more gap-to-gap at present, but there’s optimism about increased power potential with physical development.

Speed: A plus runner, Bullard’s speed is a significant asset, making him a pest on the basepaths and enhancing his defensive capabilities. His speed is described as more than sufficient to stick in center field.

Defense: Bullard’s defensive instincts and plus speed make him a strong candidate to remain in center field, where he projects as a good defender. His quick-twitch athleticism allows him to cover ground effectively, and his arm strength is adequate for the position.

 

Scouting Grades (estimated, based on 20-80 scale from descriptions):Hit: 55 (above average, due to strong bat-to-ball skills)

Power: 45-50 (average, with room to grow)

Run: 60 (plus)

Field: 55 (above average)

Arm: 50 (average)

Overall Profile: Described as having the upside of an “everyday impact player” at the premium center field position, combining a high run tool with quality bat-to-ball skills.