The New York Mets have solidified themselves as one of baseball’s premier teams this offseason, bringing in multiple stars and addressing key areas of concern on the roster. Even as they look to return to the postseason in 2026 after missing out last season, Mets scouts will be paying attention to top recruits before this summer’s draft.
New York will have their first selection at No. 27 overall, 10 back from where it would be if it hadn’t exceeded the top luxury-tax threshold. Still, there’s plenty of value to be had at this spot in the draft, and in Bleacher Report’s latest mock, the Mets selected catcher Ryder Helfrick.
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Playing his collegiate ball at the University of Arkansas, Helfrick saw a huge improvement in his game in 2025. He recorded a slash line of .305/.420/.616 with a 1.036 OPS in 61 games for Arkansas last year. Going from three home runs and eight RBIs in 2024 to 15 home runs and 38 RBIs, Helfrick emerged as a top catcher in this year’s class.
Turning 21 years old in just a few days, Helfrick also flashes major ability behind the plate. If he ends up going in the first round this summer, he would be Arkansas’ first catcher to be selected that high – highlighting how special Helfrick is as a recruit.
He’s a good framer and blocker while also calling pitches at Arkansas, making him more advanced than most catchers at the level. His arm is 60-graded, making him a threat for those on the basepaths if he continues to clean up his glove-to-hand transfer.
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His junior season at Arkansas will heavily impact his draft position. If he continues his upward trend, he could go much earlier in the first round, but if he looks more like a one-season wonder, he could fall significantly on draft boards.
The Mets currently have Francisco Alvarez as their everyday catcher, who recorded a .786 OPS last season in 76 games. He’s a good offensive bat, but he’s not great as a backstop. Though Helfrick could offer more in that area, the two are just four years apart despite Alvarez debuting back in 2022.
Alvarez won’t hit free agency until after the 2029 season, but that could be just in time for Helfrick to take over if the Mets select him this summer. Or perhaps they keep Alvarez and use Helfrick in yet another trade to land one of baseball’s stars as they did on multiple occasions this winter.
Whatever they decide to do with who they draft with their first pick, mets fans should have full faith in the front office. With one of the better farm systems in baseball, at least before trading away key prospects this winter, and great player development, the Mets organization is sure to make use of their first selection in 2026.