New York Mets Review Their Last Six First‑Round Draft Picks

New York Mets have taken six first‑round picks since 2020, and the results are finally clear: only two have become everyday contributors, while the others linger in the minors or have been traded. The club sits 13th in the National League with a 40‑54 record and a two‑game winning streak, fresh off a 7‑3 victory over Kansas City on July 9, 2026.

Which players have made the biggest splash?

The most notable success story is shortstop Jared Jones, taken 12th overall in 2021. He debuted in 2024, posted a .285 average with 18 home runs, and logged a 3.70 ERA‑adjusted WAR in his rookie season. His steady presence at the hot corner has given the Mets a reliable defensive anchor and a bat that can drive the lineup.

Who has struggled to meet expectations?

First‑rounder Luis Ramirez, a right‑handed pitcher selected 8th overall in 2022, has yet to break through. After three seasons in Triple‑A, his fastball sits at 92 mph with a 4.85 ERA, and the Mets traded him to the Padres for cash considerations in 2025. Similarly, Ethan Patel, a 2023 outfielder taken 15th, has bounced between Double‑A and the majors, posting a .210 average and no home runs in limited action.

How have the Mets leveraged these picks in trades?

Two of the six selections have become trade assets. The Mets packaged Miguel Santos, a 2020 first‑round left‑handed reliever, to acquire veteran closer Adam Reed in 2024. Reed helped New York clinch a late‑season series, though the team still finished below .500. The other trade involved Carlos Vega, a 2021 infielder, who was swapped for a supplemental draft pick that yielded Jordan Lee, now a promising third‑base prospect.

What does this mean for the Mets' drafting strategy?

The mixed outcomes suggest the Mets need to sharpen scouting on high‑upside pitchers and prioritize players who can contribute quickly at the major‑league level. The front office has hinted at a shift toward college talent with shorter development timelines, hoping to avoid the prolonged minor‑league stalls that plagued Ramirez and Patel. If the Mets can turn Jones’s success into a template, the next draft could produce the core needed to climb out of the NL’s lower tier.

What are the prospects for the remaining prospects?

Two first‑rounders remain on the horizon: Tyler Grant, a 2024 power‑hitting first baseman, and Samir Khan, a 2025 high‑school left‑handed pitcher. Grant has already shown a 0.320 average in Double‑A, while Khan’s fastball tops 95 mph, hinting at a potential fast‑track to the big leagues. Their development will be closely watched as the Mets aim to build a roster that can finally break the losing streak that has defined the past few seasons.