The New York Mets and Boston Red Sox have set their sights on the 2026 MLB Draft following the lottery results. The Mets dropped to the 27th overall pick due to a penalty, while the Red Sox hold the 20th position. Both teams are evaluating top prospects to bolster their rosters.
The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for July 11-12 in Philadelphia, with the lottery determining early pick orders. The Mets entered the Winter Meetings with a 0.67 percent chance at the No. 1 overall selection as one of 15 eligible teams. However, they slid to a projected No. 27 spot after a 10-position penalty for exceeding the second competitive balance tax threshold.
New York's recent draft history emphasizes position players and college talent. In 2025, they selected Mitch Voit, a second baseman from Michigan, at 38th overall. The 2024 pick was Carson Benge, an outfielder from Oklahoma State, at 19th. Earlier selections include Colin Houck (2023, 32nd), Kevin Parada (2022, 11th), Jett Williams (2022, 14th), Kumar Rocker (2021, 10th), and Pete Crow-Armstrong (2020, 19th). Six of their seven first-rounders have been primary position players, with four from NCAA ranks. The Mets have succeeded with later-round pitchers like Brandon Sproat (second round), Nolan McLean (third), and Jonah Tong (seventh), and two-way players such as Benge and Voit.
Potential Mets picks at No. 27 include Ryder Helfrick, a catcher from Arkansas ranked No. 29, noted for advanced defensive skills and 25-homer power potential. Other options: Eric Becker, shortstop from Virginia (No. 21); Coleman Borthwick, right-hander from South Walton High School (No. 23); Cole Koeninger, shortstop/right-hander from Keller High School (No. 58); Blake Bowen, outfielder from JSerra High School (No. 33); and Gabe Gaeckle, right-hander from Arkansas (No. 24), with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox, under new scouting director Jake Bruml, aim to build on recent successes. Key prospects include Roman Anthony (2022 supplemental second round), Kristian Campbell (2023 fourth), Marcelo Mayer (2024 first), and Jarren Duran (2018 seventh). Pitchers Connelly Early (2023 fifth) and Payton Tolle (2024 second) highlight their development. First-rounders Kyle Teel (2023) and Braden Montgomery (2024) were traded for ace Garrett Crochet.
At No. 20, a projection points to Tyler Bell, shortstop from Kentucky (No. 22), a switch-hitter with a .296/.385/.522 freshman line, 10 homers, and 11 steals. Alternatives: Caden Sorrell, outfielder from Texas A&M (No. 20), with plus tools and a .337/.430/.789 slash in 26 games; Gabe Gaeckle (No. 24); and Chris Rembert, second baseman from Auburn (No. 25), who hit .344/.467/.555 as a freshman.