Forget introductions. The Mets have just completed the most expensive draft in franchise history, or at least since 2004. This is what it means to emphasize player development.
| Year | Bonus Total |
Top Pick |
| 2011 | 6,425,000 | Brandon Nimmo |
| 2008 | 5,928,500 | Ike Davis |
| 2004 | 5,825,000 | Phil Humber |
| 2005 | 4,677,500 | Mike Pelfrey |
| 2010 | 4,457,700 | Matt Harvey |
| 2007 | 3,328,800 | Eddie Kunz |
| 2009 | 2,489,300 | Steven Matz |
| 2006 | 1,933,000 | Kevin Mulvey |
Five players in this year’s class received bonuses above $400,000, also a record. In the 2010 and 2009 drafts combined, the Mets handed out four bonuses above $400,000.
Bonus totals includes all picks from the first 10 rounds and all deals above $100,000 after the tenth round, as reported by Baseball America.
The Mets clearly emphasized ceiling time after time, and then spent the money to bring their targets into the system. Of course, the odds are against any single player becoming an impact big leaguer, but by bringing in player after player with a chance, the Mets have started to move the odds in their favor.
It is a good day to be a Mets fan.
The full draft list from Baseball America is here and from MLB.com is here.
