The New York Mets began their MLB draft selections by picking right-handed pitcher Carson Wiggins from the University of Arkansas at number 27. This selection comes a year after Wiggins underwent elbow surgery in May 2025 and did not pitch for Arkansas during the current season. Wiggins, 21, pitched in 2025, posting a 3.21 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 14 innings as a reliever, reportedly reaching speeds of 102 mph.
Wiggins' selection marks the first time the Mets have drafted a pitcher in the first round since Kumar Rocker in 2021 and David Peterson in 2017. The Mets' draft position at 27 was impacted by their exceeding the second luxury-tax level last season, which cost them their second-round pick and another pick gained from the Edwin Díaz trade.
This draft is particularly significant for the Mets, who have seen a "regression" in their farm system, according to owner Steve Cohen. The system, which was ranked in the top half by many publications last year, has experienced prospect graduations, departures in win-now trades, and the loss of players through free agency. The team's vice president of amateur and international scouting, Kris Gross, noted the depth of this year's draft class as a potential benefit for a team not picking at the very top.
The Mets' first-round selection has fallen in the draft for four consecutive years due to owner Steve Cohen's spending. In previous years, they drafted infielder Colin Houck at No. 32 in 2023, outfielder Carson Benge at No. 19 in 2024, and infielder Mitch Voit at No. 38 in 2025. Benge has since advanced to the major leagues, while Voit has shown promise defensively and offensively in his first full professional season.