New York Mets
· 2026-07-13
The New York Mets used their lone Top 90 pick to select right-handed pitcher Carson Wiggins from the University of Arkansas with the 27th overall selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. The Mets announced the pick via X on Saturday, marking their first selection in the draft’s top tier.
Wiggins, a 21-year-old who stands 6'5", underwent Internal Brace Surgery in May 2025 and missed the 2026 season. He returned to throw at the combine, flashing a fastball that touches 97 mph and a pair of breaking balls. The Mets’ front office clearly bet on upside, taking Wiggins despite his absence from the mound last year.
The selection drew immediate reactions. One fan account wrote, “What a home run swing of a pick by the Mets with Carson Wiggins,” praising his two elite pitches and clean delivery. Anthony DiComo noted the Mets’ limited draft budget restricted them to a single top-tier selection, calling Wiggins “the brother of the Cubs’ Jaxon Wiggins, a Top 100 prospect.”
MLB Draft’s official account listed Wiggins at No. 88 on its Top 250 prospects board. Scouting grades from outlets varied: a fastball graded 80, slider 70, control 45, and overall 45. The high ceiling stems from his power arsenal and projectable frame, though command remains the biggest hurdle.
The Mets clearly see reliever potential. One scout noted, “Might be an elite closer if not,” suggesting the organization will prioritize refining his command to develop him into a starter. His recovery timeline and post-surgery velocity return will shape his early professional innings.
The Mets entered Saturday’s doubleheader against Boston with a 40-57 record and a three-game losing streak. They dropped the opener 2-3 on July 12, extending their slide. Over the last ten games, New York sits 5-5, while their home mark stands at 21-26 in 47 games.
The Wiggins pick arrives as the club fights for positioning in the National League’s crowded middle tier. With pitching depth a priority, the Mets rolled the dice on a high-upside arm whose health and development timeline align with their rebuild.