Mets Aim to Optimize Drafting Strategy

ATLANTA — The Mets are under scrutiny for their ability to achieve success with limited resources, particularly in leveraging drafts involving two-way players.

In a draft that faced setbacks from previous spending limits, the Mets selected Mitch Voit. Initially recognized as a second baseman and pitcher at the University of Michigan, the Mets’ intentions for Voit aren’t entirely clear yet.

Voit transitioned away from pitching during his junior season, boasting an impressive 14 home runs and a .1,140 OPS over the course of 56 games.

Over the last few seasons, the Mets have drafted a handful of college two-way players, but, oddly enough, none have really stuck around. For instance, Nolan McLean, a 2023 draft pick, tried his hand in both roles before settling into a specific position during his midseason transition last year.

It’s worth noting that the Mets’ first pick in the draft was reduced by 10 spots from 28th to 38th due to exceeding the Competitive Balance Tax threshold by over $40 million.

Additionally, their roster was impacted as they didn’t possess a two-round pick after signing Hwang Soto, who was affected by a qualifying offer.

Looking forward, they’re set to make another selection on the first day at No. 102.

The Mets have a signing budget of around $5,465,900 for their draft picks.

Except for Kumar Rocker, who didn’t sign back in 2021 but returned the following year, the Mets haven’t utilized any first-round picks since 2017.

Since that time, their selections have included outfielders Jarred Kelenic (2018) and Pete Crow-Armstrong (2020), infielder Brett Baty (’19), as well as officers Jett Williams (’22) and Kevin Parada (’22), along with infielder Colin Houck (’23) and player Benge (’24).

Interestingly, Benji has made a strong impression in his initial full professional season, capturing a spot in Saturday’s futures game.

The left-handed outfielder now boasts a .907 OPS in 73 games played between High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton.