Projecting Major League Arrival Dates for New York Mets 2013 Draft Class

The New York Mets managed to get much younger in the 2013 MLB draft. The Mets selected high school players with their first four picks before dipping into the college ranks. 

The Mets are in desperate need of a contributor at the big league level right now, but don't expect any of these draftees to crack the major leagues anytime soon.

The team boasts issues across the board, including an outfield that is filled with journeymen and career minor leaguers. The struggles of first baseman Ike Davis and shortstop Ruben Tejada call into question their long-term viability.

As an organization, the Mets continue to build for the future regardless of the team's struggles at the major league level. 

Dominic Smith, 1B

Projected Date of Major League Debut: 2017

The Mets' selection of Dominic Smith with the 11th overall pick is a bit perplexing because the team is in desperate need of position players who can contribute in the very near future. Smith is a high school senior out of Junipero High School in California who likely won’t make it on to the 40-man roster until 2016-17.

Smith is a first baseman who is listed at 6'1", 205 pounds. He’ll turn 18 years old on June 15. Smith could play outfield if needed, according to MetsBlog, but part of the reason the Mets drafted him is due to his strong defense at first base.

According to ESPN’s Keith Law, Smith is "one of the best pure hitters in the high school class, showing a smooth left-handed swing with power and a plus glove at first base."

Like 2011’s choice of Brandon Nimmo, the Mets drafted a potential star power-hitter, but one who won’t contribute in the majors for a few seasons. GM Sandy Alderson could’ve sacrificed his draft board in order to draft a player closer to the big leagues, but chose instead to go with his guy.

Andrew Church, RHP

Projected Date of Major League Debut: 2018

The Mets made it back-to-back high school players when they selected Church in the second round with the 48th overall pick.

In this case, the Mets can afford to wait for the right-hander to mature because of their youth in the current starting rotation. Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler and Jonathon Niese should make up the Mets front-end starters for years to come.

But, you can never have enough pitching.

Church didn’t play on his high school team this season due to eligibility, according to Baseball America, which has the 18-year-old ranked as its 89th best prospect despite his inactivity. Given his youth and inexperience, it’s unlikely that Church will hit the big leagues before 2017.

Church features a low-90s fastball along with a plus-curveball and a slider. He’s listed at 6'3", 200 pounds and will attend the University of San Diego if the Mets fail to sign him.

Ivan Wilson, CF

Projected Date of Major League Debut: 2018

Make that three high school players in a row as the Mets continue to build for the distant future. In the third round, the Mets selected Ivan Wilson out of Ruston High School in Louisiana with the 76th overall pick. Wilson is listed at 6'3, 220 pounds with “above average speed and excellent bat speed,” according to Baseball Factory.

Wilson projects as a power-hitting corner outfielder, but the Mets could’ve certainly used a player who’s closer to making his debut in the everyday lineup. Wilson doesn’t have a college commitment, meaning he’s likely to sign with the Mets.

Casey Meisner, RHP

Projected Date of MLB Debut: 2018

The Mets' run on high school players continued seven picks later when New York snagged Casey Meisner out of Cypress Woods High School in Texas with the 84th pick overall.

Meisner stands at an imposing 6'7", but his fastball hovers in the high-80s. But, Meisner has shown good body control to go with a repeatable motion, which is impressive for a pitcher his size.

The Mets likely drafted Meisner for his upside and continue to add arms with major league potential.

L.J. Mazzilli, 2B

Projected Date of Major League Debut: 2017

Finally, the Mets dipped into the college pool with the 116th overall pick of the draft when they selected L.J. Mazzilli, son of former Met Lee Mazzilli, out of UConn.

Mazzilli is a 22-year-old senior who hit .354 with six home runs and 51 RBI this past season. He also stole 29 bases. He’s listed at 6'1", 190 pounds. Last season, Mazzilli was drafted in the ninth round by the Twins, but chose to return to college.

The Mets are hoping that Mazzilli can catch on fast as New York is in constant need of viable position players.