Mets Prepare for 2025 MLB Draft with Limited Resources as Pitching Staff Sees Key Returns
The New York Mets are gearing up for the 2025 MLB Draft, which commences on Sunday, July 13th, with Rounds 1-3, and continues on Monday, July 14th, with Rounds 4-20. However, the team faces significant challenges due to penalties incurred from exceeding the Competitive Balance Tax threshold and signing outfielder Juan Soto.
Adding to the activity, the Mets' pitching staff is undergoing a reshuffle with the activation of Kodai Senga from the injured list and the expected debut of Sean Manaea, providing much-needed reinforcements.
Draft Position Hampered by Penalties
For the third year running, the Mets' first-round pick has been pushed back 10 spots, this time from No. 28 to No. 38 overall. This penalty stems from surpassing the Competitive Balance Tax threshold by more than $40 million. Furthermore, the team forfeited its second-round pick as a consequence of signing Juan Soto, who was attached to a qualifying offer.
As a result, the Mets possess only two of the top 132 picks in the upcoming draft – No. 38 and No. 102. Their bonus pool is also the second-lowest in the league, totaling just $5,465,900, ahead of only the Yankees. This significantly restricts their ability to acquire top-tier talent and compete with other teams.
Pitching Staff Updates: Senga Returns, Manaea Debuts
In a boost to the pitching rotation, right-hander Kodai Senga was activated from the injured list on July 11, 2025, and is scheduled to start against the Royals. Senga had been sidelined on the 15-day IL with a strained right hamstring and underwent a minor league rehab assignment before his return. Adding to the changes, pitcher Rico Garcia was designated for assignment by the Mets on the same day.
Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea is anticipated to make his season debut on Sunday, July 13, after spending the entire season on the injured list due to an oblique injury. His return could significantly bolster the Mets' pitching depth. There have also been notable pitching performances recently, including a strong outing by David Peterson on July 10, 2025.
Key Dates for the Mets
Several key dates mark this period for the Mets:
- July 10, 2025: David Peterson delivers a notable performance in a "pitchers' duel."
- July 11, 2025: Kodai Senga is activated from the IL; Rico Garcia is designated for assignment.
- July 13, 2025: Day 1 of the 2025 MLB Draft (Rounds 1-3). Sean Manaea is expected to make his season debut.
- July 14, 2025: Day 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft (Rounds 4-20).
Mets' Scouting Strategy and Top Prospects
The Mets' front office, led by Vice President of Amateur Scouting Kris Gross, faces a challenging draft landscape due to the team's limited draft capital. Historically, the Mets have favored position players in the early rounds, but the perceived strength of this year's college pitching class could influence their strategy. The organization prioritizes players who align with their analytical models, seeking specific exit velocities and pitch shapes.
The signing of Juan Soto last offseason has further complicated the Mets' draft strategy, costing them a second-round pick and reducing their 2026 international bonus pool by $1 million. Among the top pitching prospects in the 2025 draft are left-handers Kade Anderson from LSU and Liam Doyle from Tennessee. Right-handed prep pitcher Seth Hernandez from Corona HS is also considered a potential top-five pick.
Meanwhile, Mets' prospects like outfielder Carson Benge (No. 3 prospect) and right-handed pitcher Will Watson (No. 29 prospect) are demonstrating encouraging early results, highlighting the team's ability to develop talent from previous drafts.
Consequences of Limited Draft Capital and Potential Strategy Shift
The Mets' limited draft capital presents a significant hurdle in their quest to acquire top talent. With only two picks in the top 132 and the 29th-lowest bonus pool, the team's ability to make substantial financial moves is constrained, impacting their chances of securing high-potential high school players who command larger bonuses.
Despite their historical preference for position players, the perceived depth in this year's college pitching pool, combined with their unfavorable draft position, may prompt the Mets to consider selecting a pitcher earlier than usual. The team has also faced numerous rotation injuries throughout the season, impacting their pitching depth. The return of Senga and the debut of Manaea are therefore critical to the team's performance.
