Mets Draft Watch: Possible 2022 infielder selections

This year’s draft promises exceptional young talent in a short 20-round selection. As we know, the New York Mets have 2 picks in the first round to break the ice; the 11th pick in compensation for last year, and 14th pick.

From stealth raw-power bats to guys heating up the radars 97-plus, the tools in displayed in this year’s top 100 draft prospects is quite impressive. I’ve previously touched on pitching that may fit the Mets organization, especially in the first round. Which prospects are a good fit to cover the Mets future infield positions? We’ll break down the options across the diamond.

Possible Mets Infield draft prospects

3rd Base

Max Wagner, Clemson University

Wagner is a workable infielder with a recently strong-proven bat. The Green Bay native comes out of Clemson University as a sophomore hot corner guy, hitting from the right side. His defense is above satisfactory with good displayed athleticism, quick hands, and very agile.  His defense will ultimately improve as he advances in the game. Clemson’s draft-spot will be earned with his bat. His start at Clemson was casual at 3rd base, grinding his way to a starting position. His bat took flight, recording an impressive 27 dingers in 2022 with Clemson. His combined university numbers along with the Green Bay Booyah in the Northwoods League totaled at 107 RBIs on 132 hits, 35 homeruns, scoring 116 times in 139 games. He finished with a .311 career batting average. 

Evaluator concerns on Wagner is his strikeout to walk numbers, fanned 128 times, walking 89. He stands 6 feet at 215lbs, athletic frame, with raw power and the ability to handle the wood bat as strong as aluminum. His swing and approach resembles former New York Mets captain, David Wright. Wagner is ranked 66th top draft prospect.

Shortstop

Zach Neto, Campbell University

Zach Neto is a redshirt sophomore from Campbell University, in the big south conference, NCAA. Neto is listed as a primary shortstop, with abilities to play second and pitch. His athleticism and range match the needs at 2nd base, however his arm and fast-twitch instincts keep him at shortstop. According to mlb.com, Neto has hit up to 93mph off the mound. Neto’s bat is his strongest tool, which has him ranked the 17th top draft prospect for 2022. In 3 college seasons (2020 being cut-short), he hit out 27 bombs, driving in 108 runs, with 31 stolen bases.

Between 2020 and now, he’s had stints In the South Florida Collegiate League, Cape Cod League, and New England Collegiate League.  So far, his career numbers total at 210 hits, 36 homeruns, 152 RBI’s 46 stolen bases in 524 at-bats, scoring 147 times with a .401 batting average. As mentioned, Neto can throw it! In 3 seasons, he went 6-3 with a 3.83 ERA striking out 65, walking 30, only allowed 22 earned runs. The 17th ranked prospect can swing with raw power fueled by a high and deep leg kick with a timely transfer of weight into the pitch. Neto has the full belt of satisfactory tools with his hitting being well above average. His middle infield abilities along with running ability, and strong bat will be a great fit for the Mets organization.

2nd Base

Termarr Johnson, Mays/Arizona State Commit

Termarr Johnson is arguably the best middle infielder in the United States this year, with an overall grade of 60 as a high school prospect. He’s not the biggest guy on the field, but strength and power is not absent. This kid can rake and be a 3-4 stick in a Mets minor league lineup very quickly. He swings from the left side and throws from the right. He has darting range which can have him at shortstop or 2nd base, with good quick hands and strong throw. Perfect Game has him at an 85mph velocity across the diamond, with a 97mph exit velocity, and a 6.65 second 60-yard dash. He can run, on and around the base pads, and can hit the ball hard.

1st Base

Malik Williams, Lipscomb University

An absolute slugger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who made a ton of offensive noise the past few years, especially this year in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve always described this guy as a power house, standing 6’4”, 230lbs, doing all from the right side. Williams competed in the notorious Atlantic Sun Conference for 3 seasons, putting up very meaningful numbers, totaling 103 runs on 151 hits, 20 homeruns with a .339 total division 1 career average.

 Including a Northwoods League stint along with Prospect League action, Williams totaled 193 hits, with 23 homeruns, 130 RBIs, and a .336 average. In 2022, Malik went on a multi-game homerun streak, with game-tying, and go-head bombs. The slugging senior also has raw power with displayed pitch recognition, patience, and an aggressive approach with the ability to spray to all fields, maintaining power.  His contact hitting ability ranks a 60 on the scale. Williams has earned himself a spot in the MLB Draft League; a good opportunity for the Mets to watch.

The Mets have a wide variety of options within 20 rounds; these infielders portray tools to fit into the New York system.