The New York Mets' 2026 draft strategy was a mix of collegiate talent and high school prospects, with a focus on pitching depth. Here's a breakdown of their selections in rounds 11-15, along with my analysis and commentary.
Eleventh Round: Kuhio Aloy, OF
The Mets continued their streak of selecting collegiate talent, choosing outfielder Kuhio Aloy from the University of Arkansas. Aloy, a junior from Hawaii, had a strong season in 2025, ending with a .943 OPS. However, his 2026 campaign was cut short due to a season-ending injury. Aloy's ability to hit for power and average is impressive, with 9 home runs and a .486 ISO. His speed and base-stealing skills are also noteworthy, as he walked 15 times and was 5-for-5 in stolen bases. Aloy's potential as a multi-dimensional player is intriguing, and his brother's first-round selection by the Orioles adds an interesting family dynamic to the draft.
What makes this selection fascinating is the potential for Aloy to develop into a versatile player. His power and speed combination is rare, and his ability to hit for average and power could make him a valuable asset in the Mets' lineup.
12th Round: AJ Krodel, RHP
The Mets' 12th-round pick, AJ Krodel, is a four-year junior relief pitcher from UC Santa Barbara. Krodel's performance in 2025 was solid, with a 5.66 ERA across 35 innings. However, his fastball velocity needs improvement. Krodel's release traits and spin rate are positive, and his ability to shape the pitch well suggests potential for development. The 6'4