MLB Dirt recently posted their latest Mock Draft in which they pegged the Mets for top high school outfielder, Albert Almora of Mater Academy in Florida. They write:
The Mets have a shallow system and they need high upside guys. They took Brandon Nimmo last year and if Almora is available I believe they would take him. He is a plus defender in center field and has a potential plus hit tool and should add power when he adds muscle to his wiry 6’2″ 170 pound frame.
Almora has been garnering plenty of attention lately and has seen his stock rise in recent weeks. He could very well be on the Mets’ radar later this year as we get closer to June. Lets take a look at a couple of scouting reports from our friends at MLB Draft Guide and the incomparable Jonathon Mayo from MLB.com.
Player: Albert Almora
Position: OF
School: Mater Academy (FL)
Date of Birth: 4/16/1994
Height/Weight: 6’2/185
Bats/Throws: R/RScouting Report:
The 2012 MLB Draft is deep in talented high school outfielders and Albert Almora is near the top of the list. He has above average tools across the board to go along with good baseball skills. His cousin, Manny Machado, was a first round selection in 2010.
Almora has an easy line drive swing and squares up consistently. His bat speed is above average. Almora should hit for a high average at the next level. He has good power potential, but does no project to be a true slugger. He is an aggressive baserunner and looks natural in the outfield. He gets very good jumps in center and has a strong arm.
Almora’s play was impressive throughout the summer and for Team USA in the fall. In June, he will likely be off the board by the end of the first round.
MLB’s prospect expert Jonathan Mayo likes Almora’s toughness and says that he’s played in big situations and shown natural leadership abilities over the years.
He’s also got many tools to get excited about. He should be an above-avearge hitter at the next level, with an ability to drive the ball to all fields. He’ll have above-average power as well and shows it in games now, especially to the pull side. He’s a solid average runner and knows what to do on the basepaths. Defensively, he’s a plus center fielder with excellent arm strength and range.
Almora’s combination of raw skills, tremendous ability, outstanding makeup and excellent work ethic will have plenty of teams drooling for him come draft day.
By the way, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you to check out Nick Pugliese’s 2012 Mock Draft Version 2.0. He does a dynamite job on his analysis and either today or tomorrow I will post on the player he thinks the Mets will select, another highly regarded high school outfielder by the name of David Dahl.
