Mets pick Jarred Kelenic with sixth overall pick in draft

With their first-round pick, the sixth overall in the draft, the Mets have selected left-handed-hitting 18-year-old outfielder Jarred Kelenic. Our own Steve Sypa wrote up Kelenic in our preview coverage of the draft, and here’s some of what he had to say:

Jarred Kelenic turns 19 in July, making him one of the oldest prep players available, and the cold Wisconsin spring has limited his playing time, but when you’re a player as good as he is, nobody cares about those things. He was viewed as a near-certain first-round pick months ago, and his stock has only improved since then. He is considered by most scouts and evaluators to be one of the best, if not the best, pure hitters in the 2018 draft class and is very likely to be the first Wisconsinite to be selected in the top 10 of the MLB Draft.

And regarding his defense, Steve said:

In the outfield, Kelenic is a defensive force in center. He has plenty of range, gets good reads, and takes good routes. His arm is strong and accurate, with a quick release. Many scouts and evaluators have expressed doubts that he will be able to remain in center field, believing that he will fill in and slow down, but even if he does, there is a chance he will be able to remain there thanks to his excellent routes. If he is forced into a corner, his bat and arm will profile well there.