The New York Mets, like the Yankees later, took a Razorback with their top pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, selecting Arkansas RHP Carson Wiggins at No. 27 overall.
Wiggins, 21, was a draft-eligible sophomore but has thrown just 14 college innings, as he tore his right UCL last spring and had the internal brace Tommy John surgery.
He had a 3.21 ERA and 20 strikeouts in those 14 innings for the Razorbacks, and the Mets, who have been tracking Wiggins for years, were reportedly impressed by his performances at both the SEC Tournament (where he threw a bullpen for scouts, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo) and the MLB Draft Combine.
“We’re really excited about the repertoire he’s working with,” Mets vice president of amateur scouting Kris Gross said. “We think he’s going to be a really damn good pitcher. Frontline upside. That was a real attraction with Carson.”
Wiggins also has a strong pedigree: his brother, Jaxon, was selected by the Cubs in 2023 and is currently ranked by MLB.com as the No. 3 prospect in their organization and No. 90 overall in MLB.
“Obviously very thankful, very excited,” Wiggins said. “Did not see this coming at all. The Mets taking a chance on me is very surreal to me. I’ve wanted this since I was a little kid.”
The Mets had only three picks on Day 1 of the MLB Draft, as their signing of Bo Bichette cost them their second-rounder and the fourth-rounder they got for losing Pete Alonso. They went on to select Texas OF Aiden Robbins at No. 92 overall in Round 3, and Texas A&M LH: Shane Sdao at No. 120 overall in Round 4.
Wiggins was the Mets' only pick in the Top 90 due to penalties
Wiggins was the Mets' only pick in the Top 90 due to penalties
