Pick 18.540 – P - Marcus Ward – King’s Ridge Christian HS (GA)
Marcus Ward (born ~2008,
class of 2026) is a high school outfielder from Kings Ridge Christian in
Alpharetta, GA, who was selected by the New York Mets in the 18th round (540th
overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft.
He had committed to Western Carolina but signed with the Mets. He is a left-handed hitter
and thrower, listed around 6-0 / 170-175 lbs with an athletic frame.
Primary position: Outfielder (projects as a plus runner who can handle center field). Scouts
note good range, routes, and speed (plus runner with 60-yard times in the 6.49 range).
Hitting: Left-handed bat with a line-drive oriented swing, gap power, and improving strength. He has posted
exit velocities in the low-to-mid 90s (up to 90+ mph in showcases) with good
bat speed and on-plane efficiency. Tools suggest he
can develop into a solid hitter with some power.
Defense/Athleticism: Strong
runner (high percentile 60 times and splits) with an improving arm (OF
velo in the low-to-mid 80s, up to 84 mph tracked). Good
defensive tools in the outfield.
He is a toolsy, athletic outfielder with speed and emerging
hitting ability—typical mid-to-late round high school pick with upside.
Pitching Repertoire / UsageWard is not a primary pitcher—he
is overwhelmingly an outfield prospect. However, like many two-way high school
players, he has pitched in showcases, travel ball, or limited situations.
Fastball:
Tops out in the 85-89 mph range (recent tracked max around 89 mph). It’s his main pitch when he
does throw.
Other pitches: No public detailed breakdown or advanced
scouting reports on secondary offerings (e.g., specific breaking balls or
changeup). Limited innings mean he hasn’t needed a deep repertoire. Pitching
stats are sparse and mostly from youth/travel events (e.g., occasional
strikeouts, low-volume appearances).
In pro ball, he is expected to focus on position playing
(OF), with pitching likely de-emphasized or used only in emergencies.
MACK –
Finally (you know what I’m talking about). Sounds like a
prospect top of the lineup hitter. They sure are stocking up on outfielders,
aren’t they?
Rating – B+
Pick 19.570 – OF – John Smith –
Central Florida
John Smith III is a
college baseball outfielder, most recently playing for the University of
Central Florida (UCF) Knights. He is a right-handed hitting and throwing
outfielder (primarily left field) standing 6'1" and around 200 lbs.
2026 (Senior
at UCF): He earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors. In 49 games (47 starts in
LF), he hit .322/.383/.574 with 12 HR, 13
doubles, 49 RBI (team leader), 65 hits, 40 runs, and strong multi-hit/multi-RBI
production. He showed a solid approach with a long reached-base streak.
Prior seasons at South Alabama (and Pensacola State): He
posted strong numbers, including a .382/.452/.688 slash with 12 HR as a
sophomore and consistent production as a junior (.314 average, power, and
on-base skills). He has a track record of high contact, extra-base hits, and
run production.
He transferred to UCF for his senior year and performed well
in a competitive conference.
Hometown: Apollo Beach, Florida (Lennard HS).
Born: November 19, 2003.
MACK – Intriguing senior who doesn’t seem to have produced a
bad season. Why wasn’t he drafted as a junior? The Mets 10K gain.
Rating – B+
4 comments:
I like two athletes in these low rounds. Upside athleticism.
Ans signed
At number 540 and 570, with the potential to improve their positions in future drafts, why would these guys sign with the Mets? Why does college ball not seem attractive to them? The slots are work nothing, and they would toil for years in the low-paying minors so it is not the money.
And the strike could take that away
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