Pick 1.27
Carson Wiggins is a
6'5", 215-pound right-handed pitcher from Roland, Oklahoma, who plays for
the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
Born June 1, 2005 (age 21 as of mid-2026), he is a
draft-eligible sophomore
Carson was a top high school prospect (top 100 overall,
often ranked as a top-10 RHP in the 2024 class) but went undrafted due to
signability concerns and committed to Arkansas.
College Career & Stats2025 (Freshman): Reliever role, 14
appearances, 14 IP,
1-1 record, 3.21 ERA, 20 K (12.86 K/9), 9 BB (5.79 BB/9), .143 opponent AVG (or
.152 in some reports), 3 saves.
Season
ended early due to elbow injury (UCL/internal brace surgery, often described as
Tommy John).
2026 (Sophomore): Redshirted/missed the season recovering
from surgery. He has been throwing bullpens and progressing;
MACK - Blade Tidwell revisited. Why do the Mets always have to pick the talented, injured guys? I
His limited track record (only 14 college innings) creates
risk, but teams value his elite arm talent highly.
Draft projections for 2026 have varied (e.g., top 100 on MLB
Pipeline, around 80-150 range across boards), with some seeing him as a
potential Day 1 pick if healthy and signable.
Repertoire
Wiggins is a classic flamethrower with a high-velocity,
low-effort delivery and athletic build.
Fastball:
Primary pitch, elite velocity. Averaged ~98.7 mph in 2025 (per MLB Pipeline), touched 102 mph. Features good rising action/carry
and is a swing-and-miss weapon. In high school, it sat 96-98+ mph.
Slider:
Excellent secondary offering with good movement, high spin, and whiff
generation (one report noted a 74% miss rate in limited action). Often
described as a plus or near-plus pitch that pairs well with the fastball. Sits
in the upper 80s.
Others: He has a curveball (mid-80s, power shape) and changeup (or splitter in some reports), though
he rarely used them in college (mostly fastball/slider in relief). Developing
these will be key if he transitions to starting.
Scouting grades (from FanGraphs/others): Fastball 70/70, Slider 60/60, Command 20/30 (big
area for improvement).
Outlook & Projection
Wiggins has huge upside as a high-leverage reliever
(fastball/slider combo could move quickly) or potential starter with
refinement. Control/command has been inconsistent (walks and wild pitches in
college), which is common for young power arms. His size, athleticism, and easy
velocity are pluses.
Injury
history is the main red flag, but reports suggest he's healthy and throwing
again heading into the draft period. Many view him as having mid-rotation or
back-end bullpen potential at his ceiling, with teams likely to bet on the arm
strength in the 2026 draft.
MACK - Why do the Mets always have to draft the highly talented, injured guy? Wiggins pitched in the combines and I assume he impressed one or more of the Mets nerds. Pure backend reliever... or is he? Me? Why go here when there are so many, highly talented pitchers still on the board? We're gonna have to wait on this one. Shades of Blade Tidwell.
Grade: INC
Pick 3.92 -
Aiden Robbins is a top
college baseball outfielder (OF) for the University of Texas Longhorns and one
of the standout prospects in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Background
Born: January 14, 2005 (age 21) in Yardley, Pennsylvania.
Bats/Throws: Right/Right.
Height/Weight: 6'2", around 200-205 lbs.
He attended Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, PA,
and was lightly recruited out of high school before committing to Seton Hall.
College Career
Seton Hall Pirates (2024-2025):
As a freshman in 2024, he started all 43 games and hit
.302/.368/.512 with 6 HR and 31 RBI in 162 AB.
In 2025 (sophomore year), he broke out big: .422/.537/.652 with 6 HR, 38 RBI, and strong plate
discipline in 53 games. His .422 average ranked among the top in Division I.
He also played in the Cape Cod Baseball League (Harwich
Mariners) in both summers and won the league batting title in 2025.
Transfer to Texas Longhorns (2026):
Robbins transferred via the portal and had an outstanding junior season in the SEC.
He slashed roughly .333/.426/.696
(full season stats around 60 games) with 24
HR, 64 RBI, and strong production across the board. He led Texas in many
offensive categories.
Highlights: SEC Newcomer of the Year, Golden Spikes Award
semifinalist, hit for the cycle early in the season, and tied for one of the
highest single-season HR totals in Texas program history (third-most).
He performed well in postseason play and helped Texas in
regional/super regional action.
Scouting and Draft Outlook
Robbins is known as a pure hitter with a quick, compact
right-handed swing, high leg kick, good bat speed, and excellent barrel
control/hard-hit rates. He shows loud raw power (especially after adding
strength), improved lift, and solid plate discipline.
Defense: Projected to a corner outfield spot (solid defender, above-average speed, average arm);
he has played center and right field.
Draft Projection: Top-50 prospect, often ranked in the
20s-40s range (fringe first-round to early rounds). Seen as a high-floor bat
with first-round upside due to his track record and tools.
He has been called a "Baseball Jesus" in some
circles (related to his hair) and is praised for his work ethic, approach, and
competitiveness. Robbins went from a mid-major
standout to one of the top college hitters in the country after moving to Texas.
He's a polished, productive college bat ready to make an
impact in pro ball soon.
MACK - I am extremely surprised that Robbins was still around for the 92nd pick. He was ranked 29th. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that the Mets had other plans and never expected him to be around. Fine with me. Excellent bat and glove. Should be ready just about the time Soto should move to first.
Grade: A
15 comments:
One thing I do know about these two draft choices? They hopefully will help a lot down the road, but the Mets needed 10 more just like them. The organization has developed too little impact talent for too many decades.
It is not their job to rescue the Mets. They need to develop into being the best players they can be. If it turns out that are both are Impact players eventually, that will help the Mets’ cause. I certainly wish them well. My advice to Carson? Just throw strikes. There are too many guys in the system that are not throwing enough strikes.
Two talented guys enter the system - only time will tell where they end up. The draft is always a time of optimism, which is seriously needed in the world of Mets fans.
I don't imagine this guy was drafted with their first pick to be a closer. No, he will be converted to starter
Also heard him say yesterday that is his desire. The Mets will teach him not to say things like this
If Wiggins is truly healthy and his velo returns, I agree
Mack,
Does anyone stand out to you today for the Mets round 5 selection?
Many many very talented starters
Dark horse is SP Aidan Knaak
Clemson Friday starter
Excellent 2015 season followed by horrible 2017, like his team
Very talented
I think they drafted Carson first knowing he may take a discount for a first rounder and use that money elsewhere to sign better prospects that have dropped?
But I like the first days picks
I am interpreting the draft a little differently. The two areas where the Mets need talent for the second wave is outfield and pitching.. My honest opinion is that Morabito is it currently from the current wave of players (all of those who've made it to Mets are young fortunately so they can be expected to be around for a whlle. However, everyone is toying with moving Ewing to 2B and anticipating Soto moving to 1st. I like the second, not sure of the 1st as we have Voit and then others farther down and why make 2 positions worse to fill slots. Morabito still has to show he can hit RH pitching before he can be everyday player. Aiden is a power bat and right handed. He could be moved to 1B or is a potential left fielder.
As for pitching. I am sure there is a case for others. But Mets would rather have their pitchers experience TJ before they get them in the fold than afterwards. Look how it's delayed pitcher's like Scott's career. He still needs to develop change-up. I think the choice is defensible if they can help him develop command which he does not have. He is going to take 2 years in minors and they will work hard on his command I am sure. Beyond Santucci, the Mets have no one who can reasonably be projected to fit in the top half of a rotation among the first wave of talent. This is a decision with a risk of course, but a plausible risk to take.
What did we do before portals? Mack has Pena totally fallen off the cliff? Very disappointed so I've turned my attention to Voit.
You are correct
I disagree regarding the outfield
The current one is set for years
The chain is deep
Pena being pitched around
Tons of walks
Mack,
Aiden Knaak was selected in the fifth round, Cleveland I think. The Mets passed on him for Luke McNelle a pitcher.
Yeah
Another damaged reliever to boot
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