New York Mets Draft Iowa Infielder Kooper Schulte

The New York Mets drafted Iowa baseball infielder Kooper Schulte in the 20th round with the 600th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.

And this move comes after the Mets lost 2-3 to the Boston Red Sox on July 12, now standing 14th in the National League with a 40-57 record, on a three-game losing streak.

What happened?

Kooper Schulte joined fellow infielder Gable Mitchell as the two Hawkeyes selected in this year’s draft.

So Schulte's selection is a significant addition to the Mets' roster.

Why it matters for New York Mets

The New York Mets are looking to bolster their lineup with young talent, and Schulte's impressive college career makes him an attractive prospect.

But Schulte's journey to the Mets began at the junior college level, where he played for Central Arizona and Southeastern Community College before transferring to Iowa.

What comes next?

Schulte will look to make an impact with the Mets, bringing his impressive stats from Iowa, including a .274 average and an .840 OPS, to the professional level.

And with his ability to drive in runs, posting 64 RBIs in his Hawkeye career, Schulte could be a valuable asset to the Mets' offense.

The New London, Iowa, native started 56 games for the Hawkeyes in 2026, leading the team with nine home runs and 18 doubles.

So Schulte's power at the plate could be a significant boost to the Mets' lineup.

Defensively, Schulte recorded a fielding percentage of .975 in 2026 with Iowa, totaling 83 putouts at shortstop.

But Schulte's career day against Wisconsin-Platteville on February 17, 2026, where he recorded five hits with a triple, three doubles, and 10 total bases, showcases his potential.

Schulte became the 39th Hawkeye drafted under head coach Rick Heller, who took over as the head coach in 2014.

And Schulte is the fourth Iowa player in program history to be drafted by the Mets.