The New York Mets seemed to continue their first-round draft magic by selecting Pete Crow-Armstrong with the 19th overall pick. Crow-Armstrong projects as a center fielder and has defensive tools the Mets currently lack in their outfield depth.
https://twitter.com/genymets/status/1270921940186865666
Crow-Armstrong is only 18-years old and bats/throws from the left side out of Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles, California. Notable MLB alumni from his high school include Jack Flaherty, Lucas Giolito and Max Fried. His mother, Ashley, is most known by baseball fans for her role as Billy Heywood’s mother in Little Big League.
Tools That Cannot Be Measured
The upside for Crow-Armstrong is infinite. Just a year ago, he was held as the best high school player in the draft class. Struggling with tougher competition lowered the hype but he was playing very well, hitting .512, prior to the season’s sudden cancellation.
There are questions about his ability to hit at an All-Star level but his swing gives him a good base to work off of. Crow-Armstrong’s defensive skills are above his hitting skills and he has the potential to be a Gold Glove quality center fielder. What really sets him apart from every other draft prospect is his mental strength and character make-up.
Round 1 | Pick 19
The @Mets select OF Pete-Crow Armstrong (Harvard-Westlake HS, @PBR_California). Premium defender. Pure hitter. Natural instincts for the game.
"Carries himself with that New York edge" – @ShooterHunt#MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/MaahJrbfPA
— Prep Baseball (@prepbaseball) June 11, 2020
Leadership is a key characteristic for Crow-Armstrong and it already draws similarities to Pete Alonso‘s leadership. “I love to display the intangibles as well as what I can bring physically,†Crow-Armstrong said. “As a baseball player, I want to get fans excited…I want to be more than just a baseball player. I want to make an impact.â€
He is a devotee of the Buddist monk Thich Nhat Hanh and credits the monk’s readings to his success on and off the field. Overall, the Mets likely got a steal with the 19th pick and hopefully, GM Brodie Van Wagenen does not trade him for an older player past his prime.