The 2016 MLB Amateur Player Draft is a month away, and the New York Mets possess two  draft picks inside the top-31 picks. I decided I would list some players that might interest the Mets in the draft next month. The draft is 4 weeks away and anything can happen on draft night, but I believe these are a few players that may catch the Mets eye, and who I believe would be great fits for the organization. 

Zack Collins Catcher, University of Miami:

• Age: 21
• Height: 6’3
• Weight 220 lbs
• Throws: Right, Bats: Left
• Collins would be interesting pick for the Mets if he still on the board at pick number 19. While the Mets already have two very young catcher’s on the roster, Collins may be the best available talent on the board at this point. There is speculation that Collins could be available between the middle of the first round to late in the first round. Collins is more known for his bat, as he is considered one of the top college bats available in the draft. Many scouts believe Collins will not stick at the catching position long-term, as his defensive metrics aren’t very impressive and a position change may be needed. Collins has the potential however to hit twenty home runs a year, and his bat will carry him quickly through the minor league system.

 

Alex Kirilloff Outfielder, Plum High School (Pennsylvania)

• Age: 18
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 195 lbs
• Throws: Left, Bats: Left
• The Mets have shown in the past that they love taking high school bats with tons of upside attached to them in the first round. If the Mets go that route, Kirilloff will most likely be available to them at pick 19. Kirilloff has a commitment to Liberty University, but he more likely than not will sign if he is a first round selection. Kirilloff currently plays center field, but he has shown consistent power that may allow him to shift over to a corner outfield position in the future, if his power continues to develop. Kirilloff won the Perfect Game All-American Classic home run derby last summer, which further shows he has tons of raw power potential.

 

Robert Tyler Right-Handed Pitcher, University of Georgia

• Age: 20
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Throws: Right, Bats: Left
• The Mets have either graduated or traded most of the young pitching talent that they possessed in the minor leagues over the past several seasons. It is time they begin to restock on pitching, and I believe Robert Tyler fits the mold that the Mets brass looks for. Tyler is one of the top pitcher’s in the SEC conference and carries a top-flight fastball that touches 95 mph. Tyler has also been able to get his fastball to touch higher than 95 mph on occasion. Tyler is the type of tall projectable pitcher that the Mets look for. Tyler has a plus changeup and has constantly been working on his new curve ball this season. Tyler should be available to the Mets anywhere from their first pick at 19 to their next pick at 31. Injury concerns have dropped Tyler this low, but I believe the reward greatly outweighs the risk.

 

Matt Manning RHP, Sheldon High School (California)

• Age: 18
• Height: 6’6
• Weight: 185
• Throws: Right, Bats Right.
• Sticking with the theme of tall projectable pitchers, the Mets may opt to go the high school route in the first round to grab a pitcher. Manning fits the description of current Mets starting pitchers on the big league roster, and he is oozing with upside. Manning most likely will be available at pick number 19 but it would be very tough to count on him lasting all the way to pick 31. Manning currently has a college commitment to Loyola Marymount but he I believe he is signable if he is taken early enough. Manning’s fastball already sits between 96-97 mph, and he already has developed a power curveball. Manning needs to refine his changeup which will be key to him fulfilling his potential as a top arm in the big leagues, but he has all the tools to be great in a few years.

 

Jesus Luzardo LHP, Stoneman Douglas High School (Florida)

• Age: 18
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 205 lbs
• Throws: Left, Bats: Left
• Luzardo has been a late riser I have seen flying up mock draft’s over the course of the past month with many projecting him to be selected in the late twenties to early thirties. Luzardo currently has a college commitment to the University of Miami. Luzardo isn’t the biggest pitcher on the mound, but he his a left-handed pitcher who carries possibly the most upside of any prep left hander in the draft next to Jason Groome. Luzardo has already undergone the dreaded Tommy John surgery, and has gotten his name in the race to be selected in the first round with the progress he has made since the operation. Luzardo’s fastball touches 93 mph, but tends to comfortably sit in the low 90’s. He has excellent command of his fastball and has great command of his off- speed pitches as well at such a young age. Luzardo has plenty of room to grow as he is only 18 years old, and with the advanced command he already possesses it would be a great pick for the Mets.

 

Willie Abreu Outfielder, University of Miami

• Age: 21
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Throws: Left
• Bats: Left
• Abreu will possibly be available for the Mets to select in the second round, and I would love to see them take a chance on his potential. Abreu has great raw power potential, as I have seen him solely carry the Miami offense with his power at times this season. Abreu’s numbers have gotten better every season since his freshman year, which displays the growth he has made at the plate. Abreu will profile as a corner outfielder in the major leagues, possibly as a right fielder. Abreu does tend to have a lot of swing and misses, but he seems to be improving in that area. I believe you’d be drafting Abreu on his raw power, and ability to hit in the clutch, as he has multiple walk-off home runs this season including a walk-off grand slam.