The New York Mets have a very talented big league club, but if they want to sustain their success over the next decade, they need to bolster their farm system.
The Mets recently cut ties with two of their top prospects in a trade that brought Freddy Peralta to Queens, so their system is more depleted now than it was a year ago.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicted the Mets would add catching prospect Ryder Helfrick in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft.
“Helfrick might be the only catcher capable of chasing down Vahn Lackey as the top catcher in the 2026 draft class,” Reuter wrote. “After logging an .837 OPS with 11 home runs in 36 games in the Cape Cod League following his freshman season, he turned in a breakout sophomore campaign, hitting .305/.420/.616 with 15 home runs last spring. A plus defender with playable power, he offers a high floor and plenty of upside if his hit tool continues to develop.”
Helfrick is coming off a huge sophomore season at Arkansas. He clubbed 15 home runs, two triples, and 10 doubles in 61 games, good for an OPS over 1.000. He did all this while being an above-average defensive catcher, too.
The Mets need to hit big with their first-round pick, especially because it’s at the back end of the first round due to their luxury tax situation. While no prospect is a sure thing, Helfrick is seemingly a star in the making if he can find consistency at the plate.
More MLB: Padres Sign Ex-Braves 28-Year-Old Pitcher After Dominant Season