Carson Wiggins throws as hard as 102 mph. He unleashes sliders that The Athletic’s Keith Law refers to as “hellacious.” And to support that impressive combination, he is developing a curveball and changeup.From a stuff standpoint, it’s easy to see why the New York Mets chose Wiggins, a right-hander from the University of Arkansas, on Saturday with the No. 27 pick in the MLB Draft.There is, however, one obvious concern: After having internal brace surgery last year, Wiggins did not pitch in a competitive game this season.Despite not pitching for Arkansas during the season, Wiggins said his rehab process is over and he is fully healthy. Facing penalties because of the luxury tax rules and for signing Bo Bichette, who had a qualifying offer attached to him, the Mets had just one selection in the top 91 picks. Clearly, they are believers in Wiggins.“Did not see this coming at all,” Wiggins said. “The Mets taking a chance on me is very surreal to me.”The Mets in recent years have rarely gone with pitchers in the first round. In 2021, they chose Kumar Rocker, who didn’t sign. Before that, they picked David Peterson in 2017. In the previous two first rounds under vice president for amateur and international scouting Kris Gross, the Mets chose Carson Benge and Mitch Voit, two college position players.
Mets take Arkansas pitcher Carson Wiggins in first round, bucking recent trend
After having internal brace surgery last year, Wiggins did not pitch in a competitive game this season.












