Carson Wiggins Chosen 27th Overall by the Mets

Wiggins’ Journey from High School to the Draft

Carson Wiggins followed his older brother Jaxon’s path to the majors, but the spotlight landed on Carson when the Mets chose him 27th overall in the 2026 MLB Draft. Jaxon had slipped to 68th in 2023 after starring for the Cubs, and both brothers share a commitment to Arkansas. As a 17‑year‑old, Carson became the first high‑school player to crack 100 mph, earning No. 78 from Baseball America and No. 79 from MLB Pipeline in the 2024 class.

After a dominant high‑school campaign, Wiggins enrolled at Arkansas, where he spent his freshman season in the bullpen. Ten innings into that stint, he required Tommy John surgery plus an internal brace, wiping out the rest of 2025 and all of his senior year. The 6‑foot‑5, 215‑pound pitcher returned healthy just in time to attend the MLB Combine.

At the Arizona combine, Wiggins posted a 97 mph fastball and showcased a slider, a sharply spinning curveball (2,719 rpm), and a developing changeup. Scouts watched his bullpen work throughout the SEC schedule, and his slider logged a 74 % whiff rate in limited college action. Despite being ranked 88th by MLB Pipeline, many scouts believed he could break into the top 50.

Why the Mets Took a Chance

The Mets had no second‑round pick and had already forfeited a compensatory fourth round due to the Dodgers signing Edwin Diaz when Bo Bichette received a qualifying offer. With the 27th overall pick, they secured a player who had drawn internal praise for his “real frontline upside,” according to Kris Gross, the team’s vice president of amateur and international scouting. One evaluator summed up the rarity of Wiggins’ stuff: “102 with a wipeout slider simply don’t grow on trees.”

Carson’s control has been a concern; in his brief college innings he walked 15.3 % of batters faced. The Mets view him as a project, ready to work on command at the next level. Wiggins told reporters he hopes to become a starter but will accept any role the organization demands. His blend of a 99‑102 mph fastball and an upper‑80s slider also gives him viable relief‑oriented upside.

Potential Roles and Outlook

If Wiggins can settle into a starting spot, his athleticism and growing pitch mix could unlock frontline potential. Should the rotation development falter, his late‑inning stuff—especially the slider—makes him a viable reliever, possibly even a closer. The Mets’ decision is a high‑risk, high‑reward pick that reflects their belief in his ceiling.

The family’s rivalry continues, as Jaxon already ranks among the top‑100 prospects entering 2026. Both brothers endured elbow surgeries that sidelined their final college seasons, yet each emerged with significant draft capital. Carson now carries the weight of a promising legacy, aiming to become the next Wiggins to earn a spot among baseball’s elite.

What Lies Ahead for the Wiggins Family

Carson’s rookie season will hinge on his ability to locate his fastball and slider consistently. Success could thrust the Mets into the elite pitcher market early, while struggles would keep him in the minors for another year of refinement. Watching both brothers develop will keep the Wiggins name in the conversation for years to come.