Mets 2022 Draft Results: Prospects to keep an eye on

The New York Mets wrapped up their 20-round Major League Baseball Amateur draft selections on Tuesday, July 19th. The Mets selected a total of 22 players, with 2 first round picks, one being a compensation slot. Of the 22 selections, 13 of these were pitchers.

Of the 22 selections, only the top 3 picks cracked $1,000,000 or more. The Mets scouting department did their homework, with major focus on the their rounds 1-4 selections, giving them a total of 6 picks; arguably one of the best 6 picks in the entire National League.

Mets early picks shape up the Farm System

Round 1 – Pick 11, Kevin PARADA, Catcher, Georgia Tech

With an overall 20-80 scale ranking of between 60-65, the 6’1” 197-pounder back-stop was the talk between scouts from behind the dish. He was a Freshman All-American in 2021 where he put up numbers for Georgia Tech, driving in 42 runs with a .318 batting-average. In total as a sophomore, Parada had 163 hits, 35 homeruns, 130 RBIs, 12 stolen bases in 478 at-bats with a .341 batting average and a .420 on base percentage. Parada Is a line drive hitting, cutting on strikes middle-in, keeping his hands inside for hard line drives.  He has the ability to slap all pitches, aside from fastballs. He uses all fields, with raw power and pop in his bat. Parada has opportunity to be top catching prospect in the Mets organization.

Round 1- Pick 14, Jett WILLIAMS, Center Fielder, Rockwall-Heath High School

This 18-year old high school prospect, with commitment to Mississippi State, scored himself a slot value of $4,243,800, while ranking 21 overall of MLB’s top 200 draft prospects. Perfect Game has Williams ranked 1st overall in both state and positional ranking. Williams displays good range in both directions with quick feet and a plus arm. He’s a contact hitter with power, line-drive type hitter, puts the ball in play, and causes havoc on base. This kid’s on-base attributes and ability to reach the pads can show out well in the top of the lineups for Mets farm teams.

Round 2 – Pick 52, Blade TIDELL, Right Handed Pitcher, Tennessee

I’ve referred to this kid as a “rocket launcher”, zipping his heater up to 99mph, sitting in the consistent mid-90s with a strong wiper-type slider as his go too. Tidewell struck out 141 while only walking 45 hitters in 137.2 innings in 2 seasons at Tennessee. Needless to say, this is the guy to watch if you’re a Mets fan.

Round 2 –Pick 75, Nick MORABITO, Second Basemen, Gonzaga HS

Committed to Virginia Tech, Nick Morabito’s stock grew higher and higher as the 2022 Draft approached. With a stern-stocky build, the athletic brick-house has a short compact swing with quick hands, and generated bat speed from the core, with all natural power. Morabito can hit, however his best tool are his legs. His importance on the base pads is what’s going to get him a pay cheque. This could be another guy who can climb the system fast.

The Mets top selections will be the most impactful of the bunch.