With their second pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, 46th overall, the New York Mets have selected left-handed pitcher Jonathan Santucci out of Duke. Earlier in the draft, the Mets selected Oklahoma State outfielder Carson Benge with their first pick of the night at 19th overall.
Santucci was ranked 37th by MLB Pipeline, 50th by the Athletic, and 64th by ESPN.
Santucci is a southpaw out of Duke, who struggled with health during the 2024 campaign, but had terrific stuff when he was on the field. Santucci’s profile is driven by his slider. His fastball has some positive traits, the most notable being plus-vertical break. His repertoire is rounded out by a change-up, though, it was used sporadically in college. MLB Pipeline grades his fastball and slide both at “60” which is above average.
In 2024, Santucci posted a 3.31 ERA and 90 strikeouts as Duke’s Friday night starter. His 58 innings represented a career-high. He was named to the 2024 All-ACC First Team. Santucci did struggle mightily with his control during his college career. He posted 72 walks across his 128 1/3 innings college career. This leading to the “45” (below-average-to-average) control grade by MLB Pipeline.
Jonathan Santucci. (photo by Duke Athletics)
Health has always been an issue for the Santucci. In his junior season, he underwent surgery to address bone chips in his left elbow. His senior year was cut short by a rib injury that cost him three weeks. He returned for two frames during Duke postseason, where he sat 95-to-96 mph with his fastball.
Despite moonlighting as a two-way player in college, Santucci was only announced as a pitcher. He only had 53 career college at-bats, posting a .685 OPS.
Will Sammon of the Athletic recently reported that the Mets were looking to draft, “pitchers with electric raw stuff.” Baseball America noted Santucci, along with Brandon Sproat and Blade Tidwell, represents the third college pitcher that the Mets have drafted after he slipped on draft night. Santucci early projections fit that profile.
The 46th overall pick carriers a slot value of $2,031,700.
Rounds 3-10 will occur tomorrow, starting at 2:00 pm ET. The Mets will make their next selection at pick 82.
The post Mets Select Duke LHP Jonathan Santucci With The 46th Overall Pick appeared first on Metsmerized Online.
