Kevin Parada

Parada is arguably the best hitter from the college ranks in last year's class. He was a top-50 talent in 2020 as a high schooler, but he had a strong commitment to Georgia Tech, and the decision to go to campus paid off. As a draft-eligible sophomore, Parada is younger than the other top college hitters in the class, and his .361/.453/.709 slash line with 26 home runs, a 10.5 K% and a 9.8 BB% in 60 games compares favorably to the other Day 1 college bats. Despite well-known defensive question marks behind the plate, the Mets took Parada with the No. 11 overall pick and gave him over $5 million (slightly over slot value). His eye at the plate (21.8 BB%, .455 OBP) was a little more impressive than his hard-hit data (16.7 Hard%), but Parada has projected as a plus power hitter for years and his pro sample (55 plate appearances) is tiny. Look for him to move as quickly as his defense behind the plate allows, as he might not meet much resistance as a hitter against minor-league pitching.