MLB Draft Grades: 11-15
New York Mets draft grade: C
Parada is a solid player, and easily the best catcher available in this draft class. The only issue? The Mets don’t really need a catcher. Francisco Alvarez is one of the best prospects in all of baseball, and is also a catcher. While I’m all for drafting the best player available, Parada could very well end up blocked in a few years, unless he switches positions.
Detroit Tigers draft grade: B+
The Tigers have been pitcher-obsessed in recent drafts, but given how top-heavy this year’s pitching class in, once the likes of Rocker and Hughes were off the board, there was no point of repeating a mistake. Detroit’s had mixed luck with pitchers, while they lack infield prospects. Jung immediately becomes their best middle-infield prospect.
Los Angeles Angels draft grade: B-
Neto is the first first-round pick in Campbell history. Given he was passed on by numerous high-profile colleges and now 12 MLB teams, it’s safe to say Neto has a chip on his shoulder. Neto has a curious leg kick in his stance, and slashed .403/.500/.751 at Campbell. He impressed in the Cape Cod League, and should stay at shortstop given his arm strength and range at the position.
New York Mets draft grade: B
Don’t let his size fool you. Despite being 5-8, Williams has an Altuve-like makeup. Williams is a solid contact hitter, and while he won’t provide a ton of power, he does hit for average and run well on the basepaths. It’s unknown whether or not he’ll be able to stick at shortstop given his size. Expect Jett to become a fan favorite early on in Queens.
San Diego Padres draft grade: B-
Lesko was initially ranked best pitcher available in this draft. However, he recently underwent Tommy John surgery. He models his game after Jacob deGrom, and arguably has the best stuff in this class when healthy. The key words, of course, are ‘when healthy’. Let’s hope he makes up for lost time.