3 biggest takeaways for the Mets on International Signing Day

The reasons why the Mets did not sign top pitchers in the international market

One aspect that stands out within the signings the Mets made this past January 15 is that the team didn't sign a top pitcher, at least located in the top 4 of signed players. Among those signed are two shortstops, an outfielder, and their biggest bonus granted, to a catcher.

This does not mean the Mets have not signed pitchers within this period. In fact, the Mets signed four pitchers out of 20 players selected in this period. However, it is evident that the Mets decided to place their availability of resources on position players, and this has fundamental reasons behind it.

This year's class has a lot of depth in position player talent, but in the case of pitchers, just a few of them are recognized by scouts. In fact, within the top 50 international players prepared by MLB Pipeline, only two were pitchers ranked 25th and 35th, respectively.

Additionally, the Latin American international markets have a considerable volume of pitchers that can be signed at a low cost, because it is a position that tends to develop more as the years go by. But no less important, the Mets' new pitching lab can guarantee to promote more talent internally without the need to overpay in the market for new arms.