10/19/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHRP - Ben Simon

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHRP - Ben Simon

Ben Simon (New York Mets prospect, currently with Triple-A Syracuse Mets) is a right-handed relief pitcher whose primary repertoire features a four-seam fastball, slider, and secondary offerings like a changeup/splitter (sometimes noted as a splitter or “splinker”) and occasional curve/sweeper. Key details on his pitch mix (primarily from 2025–2026 tracking and notes):
  • Four-seam fastball: Primary pitch, typically 95–98 mph (has sat mid-90s and touched high-90s; reports of consistency around 96–98 mph after development work). It has above-average velocity, slight arm side run, and is described as an extreme fly-ball pitch with late zip/high spin.
  • Slider: Main secondary (often ~86–89 mph, around 87 mph in tracked data). Harder than average, generates solid whiffs, with primarily 12-6 movement and some two-plane action. Frequently paired with the fastball.
  • Changeup / Splitter (or hybrid): Mixed in (~87–90 mph range in some notes; tracked change around 89 mph). Thrown hard with arm side fade/sink; usage has been lower in some samples. Early scouting and notes also mention a changeup or occasional splitter.
  • Curve / Sweeper: Used more rarely (curve noted around 82–84 mph; occasional mentions of a power curve or sweeper in earlier profiles and notes).
Background contextDrafted by the Mets in the 13th round (2023) out of Elon University. 

He is a relatively smaller-statured RHP (5'11"/~197 lbs) who throws from a three-quarters slot with a loose arm. 

He has progressed through the system (including High-A Brooklyn, Double-A Binghamton, and Triple-A Syracuse), with velocity and consistency improvements noted after injury setbacks and pitch-design work (e.g., via Tread Athletics). 

He also pitched for Team Israel in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. 

Game notes and prospect reports consistently highlight the fastball-slider core with the change/splitter as the key tertiary pitch.

2026/AAA-AA:  47-G, 1-ST, 6-6, 3.56, 1.26, 55.2-IP, 21-BB, 37-K


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Paul Articulates – Is he repairable, or is it “Senga later”?


Kodai Senga has been with the Mets since his highly publicized signing in December, 2022.  In that time, he has been hero, ace, goat, and disappointment.  His health and his stamina have played a big role in the transitions from bad to good and good to bad.  

There is no dismissing a 12-7 record with a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts that he had in 2023 in his first year as a Met – he proved that he could pitch at a very high level in MLB.  He also pitched to a winning record (7-6) with a 3.02 ERA in 2025 even though he missed four weeks to a hamstring injury.

The problem with Senga has not been his healthy and confident days with the club – it has been the alter ego with nagging injuries and issues with control like the 0-9 season with a 7.34 ERA that he had last year that causes most fans to dismiss him.

Many great pitchers have had throw-away seasons, only to renew their prowess with some mechanical changes or changes to their approach to hitters.   The big question is, will Senga be one of those, or has he hit that final wall at 33 years of age?

The New York Mets owe Senga $25M next season – that much is guaranteed by contract and they will pay him with or without his services.  But if his poor performance in 2026 is unrecoverable, the question is whether the Mets should keep him on the roster or release him and eat the money?

The positive side would take hope from his success as a closer during Devin Williams’ absence in September.  Kodai recorded 8 saves in 9 opportunities with much improved pitching stats when he was only throwing an inning.  The positive side would also point to his healthy ERAs in every season other than 2026.

The negative side would dismiss him as a pitcher without the stamina to close day after day or to return to the starting rotation as he desires.  The negative side would see him as a blocker to the talents like Jonathan Santucci or Dylan Ross that are preparing to make the jump to a major league role.

One could take a “wait and see” approach to see how spring training pans out, but we all know that spring training performance does not accurately predict a player’s regular season success.  

In my opinion, the decision needs to be made during the off-season.  The Mets have seen everything they are going to see.  They know the inside story on his health issues and his above-average need for extra rest.  They have seen the metrics on his velocity and ball movement and how he responds to the new wave of coaching by analytics.  

They have also seen how quickly his body can recover from all the annoying aches and pains that occur during a professional baseball season.  I believe that they have everything they need to project whether he will be a major benefit to the team next season.

If they believe he will be healthy and productive, he will be on the 40-man roster before the first day of spring training and if he is on that roster he will be on the active roster on the first day of the 2027 regular season barring a new major injury.

If he is on the active roster to start 2027, will he be the closer?  I don’t believe so – the Mets need a horse for a closer who can overpower an opponent in the ninth inning of three consecutive games.  By the way, Devin Williams is not that either.  They need to shop.

Back to Senga – do you believe that he will be there when the season opens, or will he be gone early in the off-season to leave room on the 40 to protect some of the rule 5 eligible talent in our system?


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Reese Kaplan -- How Mets Could Shake Things Up Dramatically


For a moment let’s play pretend GM (which is understandable since the Mets still don’t have  one) and try to figure out a blockbuster trade to shake away the 2026 debacle and bring some order into the future direction of the ballclub.

Obviously there are a few non-trade stalwarts on the Mets roster. This grouping is different from the bad contracts that are untradeabe (like Marcus Semien) and the younger players who have never quite reached starting performance consistently. Instead let’s consider some of the “Oh no, you can’t mean HIM!” types of players.

The first one to come to mind is shortstop Francisco Lindor.  If you flash back to what it cost to get him — pitcher Josh Wolf, outfielder Isaiah Greene, infielder Amed Rosario and infielder Andres Gimenez — it does not seem like a steep price.  

Wolf never made the majors  and owns a career ERA of 5.13 in the minors.  Greene has a career .258 batting average and shows good speed but not much else.  Rosario is the odd man here in that people felt he was destined to be a star, but despite a career MLB average of .271 he hasn’t had a starting role since back in 2023. Gimenez was thought to be a good glove/no hit kind of player but he surprised us all.  In 2023 and 2024 he showed modest power and good speed with a .250+ batting average as a starter.  He then moved onto Toronto where his playing time has fallen off as has his performance metrics.

There’s no way to spin this deal for the post season fighting Guardians.  They were fleeced.

For the Mets Lindor has provided a combination of contact hitting, power, baserunning and strong defense.  Yes, he has missed time with injuries, but when you have a player threatening to eclipse 30/30 status most years it becomes understandable why the teamed forked out $341 million to extend him as a Met for ten years.  

Of all the position players on the Mets this side of Juan Soto, Lindor has the sexiest trade profile.  Yes, his salary is high but he is that much talked about and seldom seen five tool player who is under contract through the 2031 season and the five remaining years are a stiff gut punch to an acquiring team’s finance department, it’s literally how much the Mets have already spent given he’s halfway through his deal.  By the time that contract ends he should have 450 or more home runs as a shortstop.  That’s pretty rare territory indeed.

Think for a minute about other blockbuster deals the Mets have made in the past with prime time talents leaving their clubhouse.  Some hurt immensely like Tom Seaver.  Others caught the club by surprise like Jeff Kent and Justin Turner.  Many felt Carlos Beltran was washed up after his contract ended but the man has a plaque in Cooperstown.  

So what would be a fair return for Lindor?  Obviously the Mets could use some starting pitching, a first baseman, potentially another catcher and reinforcements anywhere in the upper minors.  Getting three to four unknown gambles like they did during the HOF pitcher sell off in 2023 when both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer were peddled away for almost nothing (including paying down chunks of their salary).  

Now if the club is serious about bringing in someone the caliber of Tarik Skubal to bolster the starting rotation then the money to pay him needs to come from somewhere.  The question is whether team is better off with Francisco Lindor in the lineup or Tarik Skubal in the rotation?  The balance sheet would tip in favor of Lindor but there are some infielders working their way up the system in house already.  The same can’t be said for multi Cy Young Award winning pitchers.  Would a rushed Jefferson Rojas plus Tarik Skubal net the Mets more than Francisco Lindor and a dice roll on an in-house starting pitcher?

What would it take for you to pull the trigger on a Lindor leaving town deal?


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10/18/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - OF - Jose Ramos

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - OF - Jose Ramos 

José Antonio Ramos (born January 1, 2001, in Chepo, Panama) is a right-handed batting/throwing outfielder (primarily CF) in the New York Mets organization. He is currently with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets (jersey #39). He has not yet made his MLB debut. Background and path to the Mets
  • Signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent in July 2018.
  • Progressed through the Dodgers’ system (including time at Double-A Tulsa and a late-2025 promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City).
  • In 2025 with the Dodgers organization he hit .251 with 18 HR and 59 RBI across Double-A and Triple-A.
  • Elected free agency after the 2025 season and signed a minor-league contract with the Mets (with a spring training invite) on November 25/26, 2025.
2026 stats (as of early September)
  • AAA/AA - 19-HR, 71-RBI
  • 2026/AAA-Syracuse - 109-AB, 4-HR, 17-RBI, .294/.389/.477/.866 
Career minor-league highlights
  • Career MiLB: roughly .250–.251 AVG, 110 HR, 40+ SB, OPS around .778.
  • Known for power (notably 25 HR in 2022) and has represented Panama in international play (including WBC qualification).

He remains a depth/power option in the Mets’ outfield pipeline. 



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MACK – Three more possibilities for Mets first pick


 We continue with three more players that easily could be available when the Mets pick in the first round of the 2027 draft:

 

Gavin Kelly, C/2B/OF, West Virginia

20/years old – 6-0/175 – RHH –

2026/West Virginia -   251-AB, 45-K, 19-HR, 63-RBI, 43-BB, .382/.477/.725/1.202

His bat led the way for his team to go to Omaha this year. Split most of his time between second and behind the plate. High marks for athleticism. Gets + defensive ratings both on second and as a catcher.

Plus speed in the field and down the line. Needs to work on his faming.

Plenty of power developing. Big tick-up this past season. Quick, compact swing. Solid bat speed. Above average bat-to-ball skills. Some of the best feel for the barrel in the 2027 class. Rarely hits groundballs. Uses all the field. There's the hope he'll continue to unlock more bat speed as he adds physicality.

Currently not projected as a future all-star, but developing into a 20+ home run hitting, average first, excellent defensive catcher. A true test for the Mets if he is still on the board and they are truly looking for a replacement someday for Francisco Alvarez.

 

7. Reds: Chris Levonas, RHP, Wake Forest

20/years old – 6-1/175 –

2026/WF  -     15-ST, 10-3, 2.82, 1.05, 73.1-IP, 33-BB, 116-K

Big mover down the mound. Up to 7+ foot extension. High leg kick and longer arm action. “All arms and legs” approach to pitching. Still, just average command (you wonder why???).

Repertoire:

            101-mph/2500 rpm fastball – Grade: 60

            83-mph/3000 rpm slider - +potential

            Upper 70s/3100 rpm 12-6 hammer curve – above average to plus

            90-mph changeup – average potential

            90-mph cutter

Few in this draft can compete with Levonas's bag of tricks. Fastball is his go-to pitch. Best secondary is his slider, which has huge whiff/chase rates.

He’s rated as the third best starter in this draft, which easily will earn him a first round pick. The team that drafts him will be very happy here.

 

Connor Salerno, LHP, Sun Valley HS (NC)

2026/Sun Valley HS     - 5-W, 1.25-ERA, 44.2-IP, 80-K.

Salerno is considered the top high school arm in this draft.

Three-pitch mix, consisting of a mid-90s (98) fastball, a low-80s slider, a spinning curve, and a changeup.

An absolute bulldog on the mound. Clean, respectable delivery. Lower-than-average slot. Commands fastball from both sides of the plate. Slider is main secondary pitch.

Loose, whippy arm. Good extension. Velocity and Stuff+ grades have jumped in last 12 months. Elite K-rate in 2026 (14.2).

Trust me… will never see the Wake campus again.

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Tom Brennan - My Mets Prospects #26 Thru #30


THE LOWEST FIVE IN MY TOP 30! 

I will do 6 articles on my top 30 Mets prospects, going in reverse order, 5 prospects at a time. Thereafter, two more articles, one on my 31-40, the other on my 41-50.

Today? 

I am trying to assume that drafted pitchers in early rounds are likely to yield more positive upper ranges of outcomes than the draft duds of 2001-2020. So, I am adding a few in the tail end of my top 30 with very little to go on, other than draft pedigree. 

That being said…

Here are my top Mets prospects, #’s 26 thru 30.


26) Luke McNeillie 

2026 5th rounder. 

Why Luke at #26? 

Because the Mets have so few pitching prospects, and they drafted him in the 5th round, right? So I am speculating he will have a strong 2027 and plant himself more firmly in the top 30 this time next year.

One pro inning, 2 walks, and THREE STRIKEOUTS! 

He is a 6’3” hard thrower who reportedly has touched 99.


27) Marco Vargas 

I can’t call him Little Marco, because that was Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s moniker.

Vargas, a 5’11” lefty hitting SS, was left for dead, hitting just .210 in just 100 first half at bats.

Whoa, but he surged at bat in AA late in the season.  .331/.399/.496 in the second half.

Finished at .277/.367/.401.

And he stole 29 of 30 in just 63 games!

Fine glove work at SS and 2B, too. Just 4 errors in 46 games in the field in 2026, and just 11 in 94 games in 2025, rates that are just about MLB caliber already.

And, good golly, Ms. Molly, he’s only 21. He and my #30 prospect both share May 14 birthdays, with Marco being a year younger.

As I write this, I realize I probably should have ranked him HIGHER. 

Maybe I should have switched him with my #11, the oft-injured Jacob Reimer, even.

Maybe Vargas stuns us all and is in the top ten next year.


28) Yovanny Rodriguez 

Y Rod is a bonus baby catcher with a decent bat. ZIn 2026, 65% of his play was in the FCL, 35% in St Lucie. He probably will do a little more Lucie in 2026, then truck north to Brooklyn. ETA? 2029 or 2030. Rodriguez was considered the best catching prospect in the 2024 International signings and was ranked very high overall in all of the signings that year. He signed for $2.85 million. We all hope that is a successful investment.

He hit .259 in 239 at bats in low and full A call, with 13 HRs and 49 RBIs.

2027 should be quite revealing. Good 2026 year in the lower minors with the bat, plays all of next year at age 20. 

So many catching talents competing eventually for one of two catching positions. Will he surge to the fore in 2027? Possibly. He may be the best of them all in the long run.


29) Alex Petrovic 

2026 6th rounder righty. Why Petrovic at #29? 

Because the Mets have so few pitching prospects, and they had to draft him in the 6th round, right?  He’s had one pro inning and fanned 2. I hope he can maintain that 18 Ks/9 ratio throughout his pro career, 

And I was a huge fan of the NBA Nets’ star sharpshooter Drazen Petrovic, who was killed on the autobahn in a collision decades ago in 1993. He was 1992-93 All-NBA and is in the NBA Hall of Fame. He was the hardest working NBA player I ever saw.

But, what about Alex? Hopefully he works even harder.

Are they related? AI says no:

  • Alex Petrovic: A right-handed pitcher born in Cypress, Texas, grew up in the U.S. and is of Seneca Nation descent.
  • Dražen Petrović: The iconic Hall of Fame basketball player born in Šibenik, Croatia, whose actual basketball-playing older brother oddly is Aleksandar "Aco" Petrović.

Another site, however, did indeed refer to Alex as a Serbian, so who knows? He is a 6’5”, 235 righty with good control and a low to mid 90s fastball.

30) Peyton Prescott 

Prescott, a 6’0”, 220 righty drafted in 2025, threw very high octane gas, but had Tommy John pre-draft. Nicely, in September, he was back from TJS. He is a 6’0” 200 righty. Why the 5th round? I guess because it was reported his FB averaged 96 in his last (sophomore) college season and he sometimes hit 100 MPH.

Despite just one pro IP, he is amazingly pitching in Arizona Fall ball, against lots of advanced hitters. So he must be GOOD!

Well, in AZ fall ball yesterday, he started the game and threw 2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and fanning 2. He topped out at 94.9 MPH, but mixed in a bunch of cutters and sliders. 

Just 25 pitches needed, 17 for strikes. Sweet.

If I waited until after the AFL to compile this top 30? He might have been several slots higher.

Maybe he is top 10 at this time next year. They just may have a LIVE one.


Next up? My 21 thru 25 fellas.


ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE WILDNESS

In back to back games, the Surprise Saguaros, to whom the Mets players are assigned, scored 29 runs on just 18 hits, but with THIRTY WALKS.

THIRTY WALKS IN TWO GAMES? Too much cactus juice consumption.

The 3 Mets offensive players went 2-11 with 6 walks and 6 runs scored in the two games.  What to make of that, I do not know.

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MACK – Three more possibilities for Mets first pick

 

We continue with three more players that easily could be available when the Mets pick in the first round of the 2027 draft:

 


Dylan Seward, SS, Norco HS (Calif.)

 18/yrs. old - 6-0/175 – SWH –

HS career:  .382/.478/.677, 16-HR (junior year).

2025/2026:  .436, .519, .727, 7-HR, 39-R, 29-RBI, 17-SB (33-G)

The Mets will probably have to pick 1.1 or 1.2 to land this gem. He is easily the top player in the draft. The only thing that would lower him from a 1.1 pick is if some team would decide tom pick position-first.

Outstanding runner (6.10-sec 60-yd.). Some evaluators give him “top-of-the-grade” rating (80). Strong defense with quick feet, arm strength, range, and clean action. A future plus defensive shortstop, maybe better.

High bat speed with hard contact from both sides of the plate. Exit velocities already over 100. While not a pure bat-to-ball artist, Seward does feature an extensive track record of performance both on the summer circuit and against top-notch high school competition out in California. Effortless speed from both sides of the plate.

Hard to find a downside here. Some swing-and-miss when he expands the zone (hint: throw him high speed fastballs).

 


Brendan Lawson, SS, 3B, 2B, 1B, Florida

20/yrs. old – 6-3/215 - LHH –

2026    -           SEC/Florida:  186-AB, 46-K, 19-HR, 48-RBI, 14-SB, .312/.511/.699/1.210

Currently playing short, but will probably be drafted as a third baseman

Some scouts have Lawson as the most exciting offensive prospect in the 2027 MLB Draft. The bat here is considered very special.

An unorthodox set-up at the plate. Slightly open with a high hand set, Tall posture, then coiling into back hip and a toe tap to time up. No, this is not Fred Astaire. I expect any team that drafts him will change this future invitation to repeated trips to the IL. Twitchy hips and explosive hands ends this dance.

Very mature hitter. Miniscule chase rates. Won’t require much tweaking. Blossoming hit tool. Bat-to-ball skills already above-average. Already has multiple excellent wood bat stat lines in the Cape Cod League.

Power wise, growing into 60-grade game power. Already has exit speeds north of 115. His hard-hit rates are rivaled by few in the country. Easily projects to a 30+ HR threat. Now an above-average runner who could steal 20+ bags at the next level.

 


Landon Hairston, OF, Arizona State

20/years old – 5-11/195 - LHH –

2026/ASU:       235/AB, 27-K (!), 28-HR, 81-RBI, 44-BB, .400/.509/.860.1.328

Son of Scott.

Before we go any further… 27-strikeouts in 235 at-bats???

An .860-OPS???

What you talkin’ bout’, Willis?

Few in the country put the college baseball world on notice like Landon Hairston did in 2026. I give him the most complete collegiate bat in the 2027 class. Could end up really special.

Quick swing. Impressive barrel length. Tough to find him whiffing. Plus bat-to-ball skills. Excellent at shortening up with two strikes. K-rate under 10% first two years at ASU.

And then there’s the power. Continues to blossom, year after year. Could wind up being power+ someday. Projected middle of order bat.

Seems destined for a corner outfield slot. Not a Gold Glove candidate, but his bat will make you forget this.

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10/17/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHRP - Brian Metoyer

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHRP - Brian Metoyer 

Brian Metoyer is a right-handed relief pitcher in the New York Mets organization (currently with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets). Background
  • Drafted by the Mets in the 40th round (1,190th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft out of LSU Alexandria.
  • Born November 13, 1996 (age 29), from Natchitoches, LA; 6'3", ~173 lbs; bats/throws R/R.
  • Long minor-league career delayed by injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries (missed 2023–2024 seasons). Re-signed as a minor-league free agent in December 2024.
  • Known as an underdog story—late-round pick with limited innings early due to injuries but strong strikeout rates when healthy. He bonded with fellow Mets prospect Matt Allan during rehab as members of the “Double TJ” club.
2026 Performance (as of recent data)
  • Appearing primarily as reliever for Binghamton (AA) and Syracuse (AAA).
  • AA/Binghamton - 35-apps, 4.38, 1.25
  • AAA/Syracuse - 15-apps, 4.32, 1.32
  • AAA/AA- 55.2-IP, 34-BB, 87-K
  • Strong strikeout ability has been a consistent trait (career minors K totals stand out relative to innings).
Pitching Repertoire / ArsenalFrom 2026 Binghamton notes and prior scouting:

  • 4-seam fastball: 92–95 mph
  • 2-seam fastball: 92–94 mph
  • Changeup: 87–89 mph
  • Slider: 87–90 mph (newer addition post-injury; described by a scout as “[expletive] nasty”)
  • Curveball: 76–79 mph (his signature pitch; rated the best curveball in the Mets system by Baseball America entering 2022)
He has historically leaned on the curve as a put-away pitch and has worked on refining the changeup and adding the slider for a more complete mix after returning from surgery. Early career reports also noted a fastball that could touch the mid-to-upper 90s with projection. Metoyer remains a depth/organizational arm with strikeout upside in relief, still chasing a possible MLB opportunity after overcoming significant injury setbacks. 

He’s a 29-year-old right-hander (born November 13, 1996, in Natchitoches, LA; 6'3"/173 lbs, B/T: R/R). 

The Mets selected him in the 40th round (pick 1,190) of the 2018 MLB Draft out of LSU Alexandria. 

He’s a long-time organizational arm and underdog story: multiple Tommy John surgeries (including a second one) limited him, he missed significant time, and he re-signed as a minor-league free agent in late 2024. He has a strong strikeout profile and reached AAA in 2026.
2026 Stats - see above
  • He was promoted from Double-A Binghamton to Syracuse in early August 2026 and has shown strong strikeout rates (often 13+ K/9 in recent lower levels).
Pitching RepertoireCommonly listed as: 4-seam fastball, 2-seam/sinker, curveball, slider, changeup.

  • Curveball: His signature pitch. Rated the best in the Mets system by Baseball America entering 2022. High-spin (often 3,000+ RPM, with reports of ~3,200–3,300 in tracked outings), sits in the high-70s to low-80s (around 78–79 mph in recent data). It generates high whiff rates and was a big reason for his prospect notice.
  • Fastballs: 4-seam and 2-seam/sinker in the low-to-mid 90s (has touched higher historically, including mid-90s to 97 in college/draft reports). Recent tracked data shows sinker around 94+ mph and cutter-like usage in the low 90s.
  • Slider: Added/developed more after recovery; described by scouts as “nasty.”
  • Changeup: Part of the mix (mid-to-high 80s historically); he has worked on refining it.
In 2021 Arizona Fall League tracking he mixed a cutter (~93 mph), high-spin curve (~79 mph), and sinker. 

 He throws from a high three-quarters arm slot.

Metoyer is a high-upside strikeout reliever type whose path has been slowed by injuries. He’s drawn “one call away from MLB debut” commentary after reaching AAA. 

56 innings, 87 Ks (14 K/9) in 2026? 

His call will come in 2027.



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MACK – Here Comes the Draft… Here Comes the Draft (3 possibilities for Mets first pick)

 


We now move on to one of the reasons they pay me around here (sic)… making sure all of you are up to speed on the players available in the next draft. We still don’t know the exact pick the Mets will have in the first round, but we will know it will be a good one. We also know they will have another pick in the top 100, so this series will cover, at worst, the first two Mets pick in 2027.

A lot of personal reflection here, especially with the first player I pick here:


Tague Davis, 1B, Louisville

21/yrs. old – 6-4, 220 – LHH

2026 – NCAA/Louisville – 231-AB, 70-K, 34-HR, 98-RBI, 36-BB, .355/.443/.848/1.292

Hey Tom. Looking for power?

Hey Gus. Looking for first baseman?

Sure, his K/9% is high but isn’t all first basemen? I mean, this guy did lead all of Division 1 with 34 homers in 2026. That’s power, right?

He looks like a lumberjack with a twig in his mitts. Did I tell you he hits without batting gloves? This is so Ted Kluszewski like.

Scout grade his power potential as 70-grade; however, he currently has 30-grade bat-to-ball skills. Chases breaking balls too often. Work is needed here, but look at the monster you are working with?

Defensively, possesses one of the best gloves in baseball.

So… Alonzo power with a Keith glove on his hands.

Sign me up.

 

Dax Whitney, RHP, Oregon State

20/yrs. old – 6-5/220 –

2026/Oregon State:    11-ST, 6-1, 2.00, 0.95, 63.0-IP, 18-BB, 104-K

Whitney was easily the top pitcher in this draft before he went under the knife in May for a torn right UCL (TJS). Is Gus’s favorite pitcher still worth a pick this early? The Mets have been known to draft top prospects that just came off the IL. Will they do that again? Should they do it again (he will not be ready come opening day)? As for talent, no one in this draft has this much. Already runs a fastball up to 101 (sits in upper 90s). Three excellent secondary pitches, including a Chase Burns-like cutter. Labeled as the best pitching prospect since Paul Skenes. A 36.7% whiff rate in 2026.

Me?

I really don’t want another Blade Tidwell, or Calvin Zeigler on this team, but I also have to recognize that Whittley has the God-given talent that only comes around once in a while. Luckily, I don’t have to make the call here. I just break out the research.


 

Tomas Valincius, LHP, Mississippi State

21/yrs. old – 6-2/225

2026/Mississippi State -          17-ST, 11-2, 3.50, 1.07, 97.2-IP, 20-BB, 134-K

Looking for a healthy, highly talented, starter?

Valincius spent his freshman year at Virginia, then followed his coach Brian O’Connor to Mississippi State.

Three-pitch mix… a deceptive fastball that sits around 95 mph (98), a mid-80s slider with depth that missed bats at a 48-percent clip (Synergy), and an effective mid-80s changeup. Smooth delivery with short. Quick arm action. Best secondary pitch is his mid-80s slider. Also has a feel for upper-80s changeup.

Needs to work on developing more run than carry on his fastball.

Rarely walks batters. And, he’s had all this successful while pitching to batters in the SEC.

Did I tell you he’s a lefty?

 

 



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