The 2014 MLB Draft will take place from June 5th-7th, with our Mets holding the 10th overall pick in what is considered a deep draft. Earlier this month Baseball America had the Mets selecting college outfielder Michael Conforto.
On Thursday, ESPN‘s resident draft and minors guru Keith Law released his first mock draft. With their 10th overall selection, Law projected the Mets to take left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb out of Hartford. The 6’4, 240 pound southpaw has a 1.36 ERA through 12 games for the Hawks. He’s pitched 79.1 innings in those 12 starts, striking out 84 and walking 33. Law broke down Newcomb’s arsenal and future projection earlier in the year:
Newcomb’s fastball has gone from a high 80s offering in high school to occasionally touching 97 mph, sitting in the 92-94 range with some tail. His slider will flash plus as well, a low 80s pitch with late bite and tilt that should be effective against both left and right-handed batters. Newcomb also features a change that offers little in terms of movement, but he throws it with decent arm action and it should at least be an average third offering in his arsenal.
…there’s a chance for him to be a top-of-the-rotation starter and a high draft pick if he can show an ability to throw strikes over the 2014 season.
Keith also touched on his thoughts on the Mets possible draft strategy based upon what he’s heard, saying “the Mets are on the best player available”. Law also went on to say that he’s heard the front office is “on all of the college arms, but again I don’t think that implies they’re not looking at bats.”. That seems like a contradictory statement compared to the previous one, but with the draft expected to be pitching-heavy it wouldn’t be surprising if the top 3-4 guys on the Mets board are pitchers when their pick comes up.
Read the rest of Keith Law’s mock draft here (Insider only).
(Photo Credit: University of Hartford)
