/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64136201/usa_today_12180395.0.jpg)
The Mets and third-round pick Matthew Allan have agreed to terms, according to Jon Heyman. Allan was widely viewed as one of the top high school arms in this year’s draft class, but he fell all the way to the third round due to signability concerns. He also had a commitment to the University of Florida.
Our own Steve Sypa wrote a profile on Allan following the draft, and he offered the following commentary on the young pitcher:
The right-hander throws from a three-quarters arm slot, incorporating a big leg lift. His mechanics are loose, low effort, and repeatable, though some evaluators have expressed concern that his arm action in the back may be leading to the control problems he periodically exhibits. At 6’3”, 210 lbs., Allan has a durable pitching frame, rarely showing fatigue or stamina problems while on the mound.
Allan possesses a plus fastball, sitting in the mid-90s and topping out as high as 97 MPH. He is able to command the pitch well, working in the upper and lower halves of the strike zone with it. While the pitch does not have much run, he throws with downward plane, giving the pitch some sink. He complements his fastball with a power 12-6 curveball that sits around 80 MPH and is considered a plus pitch. He is able to throw the pitch for strikes and out of the zone to get batters fishing, working arm and glove side. In addition, he throws a low-to-mid-80s changeup, but the pitch is firm and still in development.
While the terms of the agreement are not yet official, the amount is likely to be around the maximum amount that the Mets can give Allan without surrendering next year’s first-round draft pick. That maximum figure has been reported to be a little above $2.5 million.
Upon his arrival in the organization, Allan will immediately become one of the top prospects in the Mets’ system. He is joined by fellow 2019 high school draft picks Brett Baty and Josh Wolf, both of whom agreed to deals with the club. In drafting and signing this trio of high-ceiling prep players, the Mets have added a tremendous deal of upside to their minor league system in Brodie Van Wagenen’s first draft as a general manager.