NY Mets: 2021 MLB Draft targets for each position

We are days away from choosing the next bunch of prospective New York Mets.  The 2021 MLB Draft will take place on July 11th-13th In Denver, Colorado.  Who can the Mets have eyes on?

This year’s draft is about 50% back to normal, looking a lot more promising this year compared to 2020, where there was only 5 rounds to selections.  This year we have 20 rounds, with a very talented pool.  The Mets are rolling this year; top shop of the National League East, sitting a minimum 7 games above everyone else.  Would we like to maintain such success in the years to come?

Although there are solid prospects in the Mets system, the system was ranked 19 overall in 2021 for farm systems. After losing multiple pieces to trades and injuries, whom may be the possible replenishing names? Let’s look at what a draft field would look like.

A Field List of Possible New York Mets Draft Prospects

CATCHER

Matheu NELSON – MLB Prospect Rank No. 40

Nelson is a 5’11” catcher out of Florida State, doing all from the right side.  He was previously drafted in 2018, 39th round, did not sign.  His late offensive spike earned him ACC player of the year.  He’s played a career 127 games with the Seminoles with 410 at-bats, 123 hits, 98 runs, 30 home runs, 109 RBIs.

He’s a strong swinger with good bat speed and hits for contact.  He hits the ball hard with power to touch all fields. His defense is satisfactory, with tons of room for improvement.  Carries a good arm, but needs to develop fine skills such as receiving and blocking.

1st Baseman

Alex BINELAS – MLB Prospect Rank No. 65

Alex Binelas is a corner infielder for Louisville.  He stands tall at 6’3”, 225lbs and previously drafted in 2018, round 35.  In 2020 he suffered a broken hand which didn’t set him back.  He’s batting a career total .272 with 408 at-bats, 111 hits, 33 home runs, 123 RBI’s and walking 48 times.

Strong kid with bat speed; hits hard and far, and known as a walk-drawer.  He’s a better 1st basemen than 3rd; some improved speed has shown recently.

 2nd Baseman

Tyler Black – MLB Prospect No. 57

Former hockey defensemen of the year, now 2nd baseman for Wright State holds 2-bag down and is expected to be called within the first 4 rounds of this year’s selection.  Black can swing it, with bat speed and strength.   In 204 at-bats, he has 44 RBI’s on 66 hits, 8 dingers, scoring 50 times with a .324 batting average.  The Canadian prospect is speedy on the pads and poses as a threat.  His defense is above average with a mediocre arm, fitting in well at 2nd base.

Shortstop

Brando Leroux – Canadian Junior National Team Prospect

2021 Graduate, out of Toronto, Ontario, Brando Leroux.  Speed on the pads, comparable to Jose Reyes, with equally such range in the hole of middle infield.  He shows solid agility, soft quick hands and an above average arm.  His bat gets around quick, which can spray to all fields.  Stands 5’6” , 156lbs with raw power to belt shots to left field. The Toronto Mets shortstop is a Chipola College commit, and a popular Canadian draft prospect.

3rd Baseman

Connor Norby – MLB Draft Prospect No. 58

Out of East Carolina, this power hitter works the hot corner and the right-side batter’s box.  This guy’s valued tool is his bat.  He carries a lot of power as a short-swing hard contact hitter.  He puts the ball in play constantly with ability to go gap-to-gap.  He’s recently shown a spurt in long balls.  His defense is solid, with a satisfactory arm that gets the job done.  He can work well between 3B and 2B

Outfielder

Denzel Clark – MLB Draft Prospect No. 98

Denzel Clark was a 2018 draft pick for the New York Mets, 36th round.  A kid the Mets liked early on.  He attended Cal State Northridge.  He carries a lot of tools, with running/speed being the most valued.  Speed which can cause havoc on the bases and cover tons of land in the outfield.  Clark has raw power, with a lot of room to improve on the offensive end.  Very comparable to a Curtis Granderson style of defense.

Outfielder

Christian Franklin – MLB Draft Prospect No. 52

Christian Franklin plays out of Arkansas; another speedy player on the pads and in the outfield. Franklin can run, hit and play defense.  He’s had 464 career Arkansas At-bats, with 134 hits, 99 RBI’s, 22 home runs with a .404 OBP.  If he gets on, he’ll get around.  He covers ground in the outfield with plus speed.

OUTFIELDER

Isaiah Thomas – MLB Draft Prospect No. 97

Isaiah Thomas, a popular name in sports! This one is out of the notorious Vanderbilt University.

Along with Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker, Thomas is a Vandy-powerhouse.  Aggressive at the plate, reliable in key offensive situations and raw talent. He hits the ball hard with proven exit velocity, and is an above average runner. His repertoire can put him as a center-fielder in low A ball. He was drafted back in 2018, 39th round by Colorado, he’s expected to go in the 2nd round in 2021.

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This may look like an ideal New York Mets lineup for a successful draft. We’ll take a look at the possible arms soon!