Mets Nab Some Eye-Popping Numbers

The New York Mets weren't expected to make the biggest splash during this year's Major League Baseball Draft, but the organization walked away feeling optimistic after assembling a promising group of prospects despite having limited draft capital.

The Mets entered the draft with the third-smallest bonus pool in Major League Baseball. Their reduced spending allotment came as a result of exceeding the luxury tax threshold, and they also forfeited valuable draft picks after signing a qualifying-offer free agent during the offseason.

Despite those limitations, New York focused on upside from the very beginning.

With their first selection, the Mets drafted Arkansas right-handed pitcher Carson Wiggins, one of the most intriguing arms in the draft. Standing 6-foot-5, Wiggins flashed an electric fastball that reached 102 mph before undergoing internal brace surgery, which kept him from pitching for Arkansas this past season. If he returns to full health, the Mets may have landed one of the draft's biggest steals.

In the second round, New York selected outfielder Aiden Robbins from the University of Texas. The 21-year-old previously spent two seasons at Seton Hall before transferring to Texas, where his combination of speed, athleticism and offensive production made him an attractive prospect.

The Mets then shifted their focus heavily toward pitching, selecting four consecutive pitchers as they looked to add depth throughout the organization.

They later addressed the catching position by drafting Ryan Tayman, the Co-Big West Player of the Year, adding another accomplished collegiate player to the system.

While the Mets didn't have the financial flexibility or number of selections enjoyed by many other clubs, they made the most of the opportunities they had. By targeting high-upside talent and proven collegiate performers, New York assembled a draft class filled with potential.

Only time will tell how these prospects develop, but the Mets appear to have turned limited resources into a draft class that has plenty of reasons for optimism.