With their first selection of the night and the 2018 draft, the Mets took outfielder Jarred Kelenic out of Waukesha West High School in Waukeesha, Wisconsin. Kelenic was considered the top high school hitter in the draft and was the first one taken in the draft. Many rumors started linking the Mets to Kelenic starting last week and the Mets made it official around 7:45 p.m., much to the delight of his family:

There is a lot to be excited from this pick. Kelenic is a legitimate five-tool prospect and isn’t the typical high school hitter who requires a ton of time to develop. By the time the Mets selected, the four best college hitters were off the board so you could make a case that Kelenic was the best hitter and player at that pick. Mike Mayer and Stephen Guilbert wrote more about this pick over on MMO.

Kelenic and Tommy Tanous spoke to reporters later in the night. Tommy Tanous said Kelenic, “somebody that we think is going to come into this organization and provide offense … a true two-way player.”

Kelenic himself added, “Being blessed for the Mets to take me at 6, I couldn’t have scripted it any better. … I can’t wait to look forward to see what the future holds.” SNY has more quotes from the two and others over on their site. The Mets also posted this tweet which contains some audio clips from the two:

In an article by Baseball America, Kelenic said, ““If I’m playing you in checkers or chess, I’m going to beat you. Bad. I’m going to bury you. That’s something to take pride in.” He definitely has the attitude to play in New York and sounds a lot like Matt Harvey did when he first came up for the Mets.

Carlos Collazo of Baseball America had high praise for the Mets first and second round selections:

The Mets second round pick was Simeon Woods-Richardson, a high school pitcher out of Texas. The exciting about Woods-Richardson is his already large frame and young age. He has a 6’4″ frame and could still grow. Woods-Richardson will not turn 18 until September. The Mets are likely banking on Woods-Richardson to mature in terms of his physique after he signs. He has some high upside potential and should not cost as much as someone like Mark Vietnos did last year.

Brian Sakowski of Perfect Game has high praise for this pick:

There is a good chance that Woods-Richardson signs for a deal that is under the slot value but still gets a good amount of money. He is committed to the University of Texas but barring some huge change, he is going to forgo that commitment.