Pick 12.360 – P - AJ Krodel - UCSB
AJ (Andrew) Krodel is a
right-handed pitcher (RHP) who played for the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (Big
West Conference) and was selected by the New York Mets in the 12th round (No.
360 overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft.
6-4, ~200 lbs, born May 11, 2005 (age 21 in 2026).
Bats/throws: R/R. Hometown: Villa Park, California (Villa
Park HS).
He is a junior (class of 2026) who primarily worked in relief
during his college career, with some starting and closing duties. He has
a good athletic build for a pitcher and is noted for strong movement and
extension.
Krodel had a solid but unspectacular college career with
improving volume in relief:
2024 (Freshman): Limited to 3 appearances (1 start), 3.2 IP,
9.82 ERA, 4 K, 3 BB.
2025 (Sophomore): 11 appearances (1 start), 27.2 IP, 6.18 ERA,
3-2 record, 37 K, 17 BB. Showed flashes, including an 8-K outing and strong
relief work.
2026 (Junior): 25 appearances (mostly relief), 35 IP, 5.66 ERA, 3-2
record, 4 saves, 42 K, 17 BB. Had highlight wins in upsets over ranked teams
(UCLA and USC).
He was viewed as a mid-to-late round draft prospect (ranked
around #181–#438 in various 2026 pre-draft lists) due to his raw stuff and
projection.
Pitching Repertoire (from scouting notes)
Scouting reports highlight good athleticism, elite
extension, and deceptive movement despite modest velocity.
Fastball: Sits low-90s (run-ride characteristics). Plays up due to
extension and movement.
Sweeper: Big sweeper that flashes plus. Primary breaking
ball with sharp horizontal movement.
Changeup: Flashes plus with above-average arm speed (good
deception/tunnel with fastball). Helps against lefties.
He has "enticing raw ingredients with room to
improve." In high school, his velocity was lower (FB 81-84, CB 71-72), so
he has added velocity and refined his mix in college.
Overall profile:
Projectable relief pitcher (or potential multi-inning guy)
with swing-and-miss potential from his breaking ball and changeup. The Mets
drafted him late, so he’ll look to refine command/consistency and add strength
in pro ball.
MACK – another high-ERA reliever. What the hell!
Rating - F
Pick 13.390 – C - Jacob Madrid -
Notre Dame HS
Jacob Madrid is a 2026
high school baseball prospect (catcher, with some pitching and outfield
experience) who was selected by the New York Mets in the 13th round (No. 390
overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft.
School: Notre Dame High School (Sherman Oaks, CA).
Height/Weight: Around 6'4"–6'5", 221 lbs
(projectable, athletic frame with room to add strength).
Bats/Throws: Right/Right.
Age: 18 (as of mid-2026).
He had a commitment to the University of Oregon
Scouting and Strengths
Madrid stands out primarily for
his defense behind the plate. Scouts praise his advanced receiving,
blocking, quick release, accuracy, and arm strength (catcher velocity in the
low-to-mid 80s, with pop times around 1.90–2.00 seconds). Some evaluators have
called his arm one of the best among young catchers in his class.
Offensively, he shows raw power potential and has produced
in high school/travel ball (e.g., multiple home runs and extra-base hits). His
hit tool will determine his ceiling—scouts have noted variations of “if he hits
at all, he’s a big leaguer” due to his defensive floor.
He is also a legitimate two-way prospect with pitching
experience (fastball up to 87–91 mph in showcases, plus other pitches).
High School Performance
He played varsity baseball for Notre Dame and competed with
teams like the Banditos. In his senior season (around 2026), he showed strong
production, including double-digit home runs in some leaderboards and solid
batting/OBP numbers.
Draft and Pro Outlook
As a prep catcher (especially a right-handed throwing one),
he carries the typical risk/reward profile. The Mets drafted him as a Day 3
pick. Whether he signs or honors his Oregon commitment will determine his next
steps. His plus defense gives him a relatively high floor for a high school
draftee.
Overall, Madrid is viewed as a toolsy, projectable backstop
with premium defensive traits and developing offensive upside. Keep an eye on
how his bat progresses in pro ball (or college) for his long-term potential.
MACK – You need at least two healthy catchers on every minor
league team. Thus, you have to draft them. Madrid looks like he will develop
into the kind of AAAA catcher you need. Heavy on defense. Good late round pick.
Rating - B
7 comments:
Madrid is a must-sign.
Everything I read says he is a good prospect. He definitely needs to be signed if his demands are realistic. Excellent selection.
Mack,
Baseball America is very high on Dylan Carey, SS from Nebraska, who The Mets just signed as an undrafted free agent.
I look forward to seeing your analysis of the 2026 undrafted free agents the Mets signed.
The DSL all stars have been released. Mets players chosen:
Cleiner Ramirez- OF
Jonnhan Sanchez- OF
Abner Meza- RHP
These prospects are several years away, but nice to see them being recognized.
If Asigen had played another week or so more than he has, he’d be # 4
They are coming up
Very strange this one wasn't drafted. Also defensive gem.
A steal
Ramirez is tailing off a little
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