The New York Mets selected Georgia Tech catcher Kevin Parada with the 11 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 MLB Amateur Draft on Sunday night.
Parada displayed above-average power, as he homered 26 times and drove in 88 runs in 253 at-bats in 59 games with the Yellowjackets in 2022.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Pasadena, Calif., native projects as a middle of the order hitter, with the potential to add more size and strength to his already-solid frame as he develops.
The thing is, however, the former Loyola High School product struck 31 times to drawing 30 walks, so that is something he will need to improve upon as a professional.
Defensively, Parada threw out 12 out of 53 would-be base stealers and had a fielding percentage of 0.992 this past season. Therefore, it should be enough for him to start his pro career behind the dish.
— Jerry Del Priore
Brooklyn Sports World/NY NJ Sports World 