2026 DRAFT PROSPECTS - Brady Harris, Kaden Waechter, Caden Sorrell, Eric Booth Jr., Ryder Helfrick

 

https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/2026/draft/brady-harris-826207

Brady Harris      OF, Trinity Christian (FL)

6' 2"      185

COMMITTED - Florida

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

Those interested in finding out what Harris was all about on the summer showcase circuit didn’t have look too hard. The Jacksonville area high school standout was just about everywhere, including the Perfect Game National, both PG’s and MLB’s High School All-American Games, the East Coast Pro Showcase and the Area Code Games. Harris displayed his wares all over the country as one of the best all-around high school position players in the class.

A 6-foot-2 right-handed hitter, Harris gives off some young Dylan Crews -- who also came out of the Florida prep ranks -- vibes. He’s shown the ability to keep his barrel in the zone for a long time and leverage the baseball, with a good amount of power now and more to come in the future. He didn’t have the most productive summer, with some swing-and-miss popping up, leading some to voice a little concern about his pure hit tool, but most feel there’s enough bat to get to that raw pop.

Harris has solid speed and uses it well, especially in the outfield. He might not jump off the page as an electric defender in center, but he has very good instincts that should allow him to stay up the middle with the potential to be plus there, and he has a strong enough arm that he could handle the move to a corner if need be. The all-around skills are there; if he puts them to consistent use during his senior year, he could be one of the first high school bats selected.

 

https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/PBR/2026-mlb-draft--winter-s-mock-draft

Kaden Waechter              RHP        Jesuit HS, FL (Florida State)

"Florida State recruit. Waechter’s ability to stay behind the ball in creating ride&run is impressive in creating an elite fastball profile with high end velocity that generates considerable whiffs in the zone. A polished, athletic delivery allows his arm to work with quick ease and his intense competitiveness and confidence provides a bullying presence on the mound. His changeup holds future weapon status with power sink at times, but it was the slider, in this look, that stood out. Starting off with near-cutter action, he ripped off a prospect-defining backleg version to strike out a left-handed bat at 89 mph. That single pitch will not be forgotten soon, and should he replicate that look on a more consistent basis moving forward, the top prep right-hander will quickly move into mid 1st round consideration. – Shooter Hunt, Team USA 18U Trials

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/mlb-mock-draft-2026-chicago-white-sox-own-no-1-pick-who-will-they-take/ar-AA1TPvlh 

No. 18 Cincinnati Reds: Caden Sorrell, OF, Texas A&M Baseball

For Cincinnati, the outfield could always need some help and for the Reds, their draft pick is one of the best in the outfield in college right now.

Caden Sorrell has been a bright spot for the Aggies, even after his 2025 season was cut short due to injury. Despite this, Sorrell still produced great numbers as he ended the 2025 season with a .337 batting average. During the season, the sophomore produced 12 home runs and 32 RBIs.

In the field, the Aggie recorded 25 putouts and two assists for a perfect 1.0 fielding percentage.

 

https://www.bleachernation.com/mlb/2026/01/13/mlb-mock-draft-mid-jan/ 

                Eric Booth Jr.      OF          Oak Grove (MS)

Eric EJ Booth Jr. is a 2026 OF/LHP/1B with a 6-0 207 lb. frame from Bassfield, MS who attends Oak Grove. Very athletic build with lots of present strength. Left-handed hitter, starts from a narrow and open base with a simple timer and trigger, hop hand heavy swing from an extended start, top of the scale strength at contact, easy power to the pull side, made nice game adjustments with the barrel. 6.27 runner in the sixty. Primary outfielder on defense, speed plays very well in his actions to the ball, fields the ball cleanly and throws from a compact 3/4's arm slot, makes accurate soft throws. Good student with a verbal commitment to Vanderbilt. Selected to play in the 2025 Perfect Game All-American Classic.

 

https://www.bleachernation.com/mlb/2026/01/13/mlb-mock-draft-mid-jan/

Ryder Helfrick    C             Arkansas             

Sophomore (2025)

» ABCA/Rawlings South All-Region Team (First Team)

» Fayetteville Regional Tournament MVP

» Fayetteville Regional All-Tournament Team (C)

» Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll

Played in 61 games with 56 starts (all at catcher) as a sophomore … Slashed .305/.420/.616 with 15 home runs and 38 RBI … Scored 47 runs on the year … Totaled 58 hits, including 10 doubles and a team-leading two triples … Drew 32 walks and was hit by seven pitches … 3-for-5 in stolen base attempts … Recorded 14 multi-hit games and 11 multi-RBI games … Had a season-long 10-game hitting streak and 17-game reached base streak … Defensively, committed only three errors in 629 total chances (.995 fielding percentage) and assisted in turning three double plays … Threw out 10-of-45 attempted base stealers … In SEC play, slashed .337/.449/.635 with seven home runs and 21 RBI in 30 games with 30 starts … Scored 29 runs against conference opponents … Totaled 35 hits, including eight doubles and one triple, in league action … In the NCAA Tournament, slashed .265/.342/.706 with a team-leading five home runs and eight RBI … Named MVP of the NCAA Fayetteville Regional after slashing .545/.643/.1.364 with a team-high three homers and four RBI … Named to the midseason watch list for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.

MACK - Top 28 Prospects - #19 - RHRP/SP - Jonathan Pintaro

 

The excitement about the Mets' prospect pipeline has been building year over year as the team improves their domestic and international scouting.  Many of the Mets' picks are being discussed throughout baseball, so Mack has boiled it down to the top 28 to give the readers a glimpse into the team's future.  This series will run for 28 days, counting down from #28 to #1.  The entire list can be viewed by clicking "2026 Top 28 Prospects" on the top menu bar.

19.    Jonathan Pintaro

GROK –

Jonathan Pintaro is a right-handed relief pitcher (primarily used in multi-inning or bullpen roles) for the New York Mets.

Born November 7, 1997 (he's 28 years old as of January 2026), he's a 6'2", 235 lb pitcher from Pelham, Alabama.

He had an unconventional path to the majors: undrafted out of Division II Shorter University, he pitched in independent ball (Pioneer League with the Glacier Range Riders) before signing a minor league deal with the Mets in June 2024.

He debuted in the MLB on June 25, 2025, against the Atlanta Braves, pitching in relief (got two outs but allowed two runs).

Scouts and reports highlight his cutter as his standout pitch—rated as plus by some, used effectively for strikeouts (e.g., his first MLB K came via cutter).

From scouting reports (e.g., Baseball America), his repertoire includes:

Fastball — graded around average (50), typically in the mid-90s.

Cutter — his best offering (graded 55), plus pitch with good movement.

Slider — average (50), potentially a sweeper variant in some contexts.

Changeup — average (50), helps against lefties but he's had some struggles vs. LHH overall (.305 AVG allowed in minors).

Control graded around average (50).

He's viewed as a depth arm or swingman type, ranked as high as the Mets' No. 22 prospect earlier but noted in recent prospect lists (e.g., Baseball America 2026 Mets top 30) around No. 23.

Struggles vs. left-handed hitters have been noted (.305 AVG, .929 OPS allowed across levels), while he dominates righties more effectively.

His story is one of perseverance—from indie ball to MLB call-up in under 13 months.

 

11-7-2025

Just Baseball

https://www.justbaseball.com/prospects/new-york-mets-top-15-prospects/  

Jonathan Pintaro – RHP – (MLB): Pintaro went undrafted out of Division II Shorter University in 2022, pitching in the Pioneer League until he garnered the attention of the Mets.

Pintaro ripped through High-A and Double-A in his first affiliated season, making one start at the Triple-A level at the end of the year. Pintaro was utilized somewhat as a swingman between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, regressing in the run prevention department, but continuing to strike out batters in droves (29% strikeout rate).

It’s a hard and harder approach with a fastball and sinker in the mid 90s and a cutter in the low 90s leading the way along with a changeup that he will mix in. Pintaro has the stuff to be a middle relief option if he can cut down on the free passes.

Tom Brennan - Austin Barnes Ain’t No Plug Nickel; WBC Mets and My Nerves

Austin Barnes won’t need a wheel barrel for his 2026 salary…

But he ain’t no plug nickel.

“A plug nickel is a nickel (now a five-cent coin, but originally a one-cent coin and later a three-cent coin) where the silver (center disc) has been harvested and replaced “plugged” with a different material, thus decreasing the metal value of the coin.”

Austin Barnes was acquired by the Mets and, at first glance, appears to be the equivalent of a nearly worthless plug nickel, but he may be a silver Liberty Dollar in disguise (i.e., worth more than perceived at first glance.

I saw an article entitled, “A sneaky good move the Mets have already made”

…recently written by JUST METS’ DREW VAN BUSKIRK, wherein he spells out the value of Austin Barnes to the Mets.

I will add some excerpts and my insightful insights (are there any other kind?)

“Everything happens for a reason (allegedly) — that includes free agent signings. The Mets’ signing veteran backstop Austin Barnes to a minor league deal is no exception to that rule”, Van Buskirk began.

He had my attention, so I read on

He noted that the announcement that the Mets were bringing in Barnes didn’t generate much reaction, ranging “from tepid to disinterested”. Van Buskirk, like the rest of us, quickly noted that “he’s an aging backup catcher with a weak bat that’s being brought in on a minor league deal — definitely not the splashiest move of any offseason.”

He then “challenged the signing naysayers and agnostics to look at this move through a different lens, specifically that of how the Mets are tending to their young pitching group”. He noted that Barnes isn’t flashy, but is someone with “a decade catching meaningful innings, managing elite pitchers (including an all-time great), and gleaning valuable information from one of the most well-structured, analytics-forward organizations in baseball.

Ding, Ding, Ding. Ringing up value on the value meter.

In short, he’s here to provide intel.

In a career with similarities to former MLB back up catcher Keith Osik, Barnes has been in the majors since 2015, mostly with the Dodgers. 

A career .223/.322/.338 hitter, to be sure, “but it becomes less of a concern when you remember Barnes is likely being brought in mostly as a teacher, not a hitter.” His best major league hitting was from ages 27 to 32, and he is now 36.

Continuing, many times, Van Buskirk astutely noted, Barnes caught future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, noting that Kershaw posted a 2.67 ERA in games started together with Barnes, with a 53–27 record. Van Buskirk continued:  “Kershaw has gone on record about how close the two are on and off the field, so it’s easy to imagine Barnes has no shortage of inspiration and information to pass along to the Christian Scotts and Jonah Tongs of the world, from pre-start preparation to in-game management and everything in between.”

USA Today Sports

Obviously, having played in 612 MLB games with nearly 1,800 career PAs, he’s caught other LA hurling dandies, too. Van Buskirk noted that:

 “Team-wide, Dodgers pitchers generally performed around or slightly better than baseline with Barnes catching, suggesting stability more than volatility. And for the Mets, that’s the point — they need someone who can help young pitchers figure themselves out and establish routines that, alongside revamped instruction, may help boost some respective floors.

In addition to wisdom, Barnes offers serious defensive upside behind that plate that should provide just as much practical value. 

Let me show Van Buskirk’s logic, unabridged: 

“First, there’s the issue of framing, something Barnes has historically been elite at. With the arrival of the ABS system looming, this seems to be a skill whose value is disappearing before our eyes…I wouldn’t go that far.

“Barnes has consistently graded out well as a strike-stealer behind the plate, particularly in the bottom of the zone. For a team full of sinker ballers and breaking-ball repertoires, that’s a perfect complement to their development. And even though ABS will undoubtedly take away some of the impact a well-framed pitch can have, I think we’ll see that downward slope happen more gradually. 

“Not every edge-case pitch will be challenged, and I have a feeling that we’ll see a less severe drop in overall framing value over time than we might in the first few years of ABS adoption.

“Beyond the batter’s box, Barnes has also historically ranked well above average as a blocker, finishing in the 82nd percentile. For a team whose primary pair of catches have historically suffered from issues with passed balls, that’s just another level of insurance being added in the background.

“And for young pitchers especially, having a sure-handed glove to throw to while they’re developing their repertoire makes their process that much easier — they can focus on developing stability in their mechanics and pitch shapes while throwing to a neutral target. Over time, that confidence compounds.

“But beyond the counsel Barnes will be able to give the up-and-comers on a baseball level, Barnes should be able to provide Mets officials with a wealth of organizational insight. Known and lauded for his diligence, Barnes’s preparedness trait will assuredly be called upon as the new Mets pitching factory takes shape.

“After being fully immersed in the Dodgers’ analytical world for a decade, Barnes will be able to provide both players and instructors with a wealth of invaluable information on how the Los Angeles Death Star’s development system works. In that sense, he’s more an extension of the pitching infrastructure than he is a depth move.

“So no, the Mets didn’t sign Barnes to bring any sort of offensive firepower or start a preseason roster battle with Francisco Álvarez or Luis Torrens. Barnes is a Met because his off-field value is through the roof. Barnes is here to be a mentor, a consultant, and a backup catcher, in that order. For where this team is right now, he’s the perfect guy for the job.”

Well said, say I.

If I can add my Brennan take-aways here, Barnes is only 3rd or 4th string, and kind of on a par at this point with the less experienced Mets farmhand Hayden Senger, but most likely Barnes can really help out great prospect pitchers to all develop into the next…well, the next Clayton Kershaw. 

And I’ll take 5 of those, please.

WBC METS

I saw this list of WBC Mets. 

Worried about Holmes’ workload? Well, he’s going. You want McLean to win ROY and be ready for the playoffs, without excessive 2026 innings? Well, he’s going. Brazoban? Him too. 

Consider me nervous. Edwin’s major injury is not easily forgotten or dismissed.

Ban the WBC.

• Clay Holmes - USA
• Nolan McLean - USA
• Juan Soto - Dominican Republic
• Huascar Brazoban - Dominican Republic
• Mark Vientos - Nicaragua
• Robert Stock - Israel
• Jordan Geber - Israel
• Ben Simon - Israel
• Josh Blum - Israel
• Alex Carillo - Mexico
• Daniel Duarte - Mexico
• Nick Morabito - Italy
• Jared Young - Canada
• Daviel Hurtado - Cuba
• Jose Ramos - Panama
• Carlos Guzman - Venezuela
• Jamdrick Cornelia - Netherlands

MACK - THE SUNDAY REPORT -

 

The Morning Report

 

I was Met scrolling the other day and saw that it was reported that some Mets AAA bat smacked a home run in winter ball. Said he signed on with Syracuse in the off-season after going .295/,359/.557 in 44-games last season. Said his name was Jose Ramos.

So, I dialed up my ole friend Elon:

José Ramos is a professional baseball outfielder in the New York Mets organization.

He's a 25-year-old Panamanian player (born January 1, 2001, in Chepo, Panama) who bats and throws right-handed.

He stands 6'0" tall and weighs 200 pounds, primarily playing center field (CF), though he can also handle right and left field.

Ramos originally signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent out of Panama in 2018 for $30,000. He spent about six years developing in their minor league system, reaching Triple-A (Oklahoma City Comets) but never making his MLB debut with them.

In late 2025 (November 2025), after electing free agency following the 2025 season, he signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets, which included an invitation to major league spring training.

He was assigned to the Syracuse Mets (the Mets' Triple-A affiliate) shortly after.

In his most recent minor league action (with Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025), he played 44 games and hit .295 with a .359 on-base percentage, .557 slugging (good power numbers), 8-9 home runs, and 27 RBIs, posting a .916 OPS in that sample.

He's shown solid power potential and arm strength (previously graded around 70 for arm in scouting reports during his Dodgers days) and has played in winter leagues, including highlights like a strong home run in the Caribbean Series.

As of early 2026, he's still in the minors with the Mets organization—no MLB debut yet—but he's a depth outfielder prospect who could push for a call-up depending on performance in spring training or the 2026 season.

He's recently been active in international play (assigned to Panama in January 2026) and even had a notable outfield assist throw-out at home plate in early February 2026 games.

MACK – right now, I have him in a crowded Syracuse outfield of Nick Morabito, Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Matt Rudick, and Christian Pache. My guess is he and Pache will fight it out in the spring for the sixth outfield slot, though, with all that talent out there, I can’t see the utility players at this position getting much reps in the outfield.

 

Thomas Nestico from TJStats                tjstats@substack.com 

Who I Expect to Crack the 2027 Top 100

Elian Pena silenced early concerns following an 0-for-26 start by finishing his DSL season with a 146 wRC+. His steep, compact swing supports a pull-heavy fly ball approach that should translate to power, and solid pitch recognition gives him a path to stateside ball in 2026.

    MACK – there finally is starting to eek out some prospect-speak about Pena past the Mets insiders. I can’t remember another DSL bat ever having a stronger second half of his first pro season. I know he has already been seen in Florida during the off-season. My guess is he is FCL bound, but there always is a chance he could begin the season on the other end of the compound for St. Lucie.

 

Ryan Clifford took a massive step forward, pairing elite power with improved contact rates to post a 136 wRC+ en route to Triple-A. The gains paint him as more than a three-true-outcomes bat and give him a clear MLB path.

    MACK – I’m still not sure if the reason more people are writing about Clifford lately is he is one of the top first base prospects because others have graduated…  or if his projected talent is finally being graded stronger due to factors created by his better approach from bat to ball. I don’t think I’m going to be able to join in here until I see the results of 100 professional plate appearances. Show me 7-8 home runs, 13-18 walks, and around 20 whiffs and we may have a first baseman here.

 

DSL Mets Orange released RHP Deivy Victora, C Julian Hernandez.

DSL Mets Blue released SS Leandy Mella, RHP Matteo Marelli, IF Alexander Eneas, RHP Jahzeel Montas,  RHP Rayner Reyes, LHP Anthony Reynoso, RHP Yoelvis Martinez, RHP Layonel Ovalles.

FCL Mets released OF Jeffry Rosa, RHP Dalton Mall, OF Haniel German, SS Dangelo Sarmiento.

    MACK – Bummed to see Ovalles cut. Had a rough time in Brooklyn last season (5-apps, 8.53, but still… 16-apps, 1.50 in St. Lucie. Must be an explanation we will never get.

How far do they fall and how fast as well? In 2023, Jeffry Rosa lead all of DSL baseball with 15 home runs (.277, 1.069-OPS). Since then… .156, .149, .178, .180. Nothing stinks more than artificial help here though it’s too late to determine now. Look, the dude had 15 home runs in 148-AB. Since then, 12-HRs in 500 Abs. 500. And, he has proven he can do nothing else. Try to remember this guy the next time you get excited about some child playing at this level.

 

JUST BASEBALL

Bo Bichette, New York Mets

Average Ranking: 8

2025 Stats: 125 G, 139 G, .311/.357/.483, 18 HR, 94 RBI, 134 wRC+, 3.8 fWAR

The 2026 season is going to be interesting for Bo Bichette for multiple reasons. One, the first time he takes an at-bat, it’ll be the first of his career on a team other than the Blue Jays. Two, the first time he takes the field on defense, it’ll be the first time he’s ever played the hot corner at the big-league level.

Even without knowing how he’ll perform at third base (his weak throwing arm and questionable range suggests that it may not be pretty to start with), we were comfortable throwing him on this list, just based off of track record.

Over the last few years, Bichette has led the AL in hits and turned in a batting average north of .300 twice, while sporting an OPS above .800 in every full year of his career. Yes, his 2024 was a dumpster fire, but the way he bounced back this past season and got red-hot in the World Series deserves some praise. We know what Bichette can do with the bat when he’s on his A-game, and the most recent ABs we’ve seen from him have shown that his prime isn’t ending anytime soon.

MACK – I worry a lot about this. Being an old third baseman, I have been very critical of the defensive woes of both Mark Vientos and Brett Baty. They could turn out to look live Golden Glovers compared to this guy before he’s finished here. Fail here and where do you play? DH?

Love the bat though.

 

Full list of Mets 40-man players on WBC rosters:

Jared Young (Canada)

Huascar Brazobán (DR)

Juan Soto (DR)

Nick Morabito (Italy)

Alex Carrillo (Mexico)

Daniel Duarte (Mexico)

Mark Vientos (Nicaragua)

Clay Holmes (USA)

Nolan McLean (USA)

Daviel Hurtado (Cuba)

Robert Stock (Israel)

Josh Blum (Israel)

Jordan Gerber (Israel)

Ben Simon (Israel)

Jamdrick Cornelia (Netherlands)

Jose Ramos (Panama)

Carlos Guzman (Venezuela)