Challenge: Name every Mets SECOND round draft pick

[Cowtipper]

Mark Vientos is correct!



Another hint:



This player is a right-handed pitcher from Sugar Land, Texas, who made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins on October 2, 2022. Drafted out of Kempner High School by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft, he began his professional career in the Rookie leagues. In 2019, after showing promise with the Mets' minor league affiliates, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Marcus Stroman. This player progressed through the Blue Jays' system and participated in the 2020 Summer Olympics with Team USA, earning a silver medal.



He was traded again in 2021, this time to the Twins in a deal for José Berríos. Though his early performances in the minors were mixed, he continued to develop and finally reached the majors in late 2022. Known for having the longest last name in MLB history at the time of his debut, he gave up three runs in five innings in a loss to the Tigers. He spent most of 2023 in the minors but secured a more permanent spot in the Twins' rotation during the 2024 season. While not overpowering, he delivered consistent outings that gave his team a fighting chance. He also made headlines in August 2024 when he and Spencer Schwellenbach set a quirky record for the longest combined surnames by opposing starting pitchers.



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[Johnny Lunchbucket]

Simeon Woods-Richardson



These clues make it too easy, unless you're cheating, then that's easier.



"Traded for Stroman" would have been adequate.

[Cowtipper]

Woods-Richardson is correct!



Another clue:



This player, born on May 20, 1999, is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. A standout at Brandon High School in Mississippi, this player excelled both as a hitter and pitcher, earning Mississippi Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year honors in his senior year. Though drafted 30th overall by the Dodgers in 2018, he chose to attend Mississippi State University, where he had a strong freshman season in 2019 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020.



In 2020, the New York Mets selected this player in the second round of the MLB Draft. After recovering from surgery and missing the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he debuted professionally in 2021, performing solidly across Low-A and High-A levels. In 2022, he was traded to the Athletics as part of the deal for Chris Bassitt. Injuries limited his development in 2022 and 2023, but he bounced back in 2024 with improved performance at Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas.



This player made his MLB debut with the Athletics on August 21, 2024, pitching in relief. During his rookie season, he appeared in eight games (six starts), recording a 1–1 record with a 4.24 ERA and 29 strikeouts over 34 innings. He began the 2025 season back with Triple-A Las Vegas. Known for his early promise and resilience through injury setbacks, this player continues to work toward establishing himself in the majors.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/6/6aca853b_mlbam.jpg>

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

coulda said "got the win yesterday" Who is JT Vodkaa

[Cowtipper]

I have to catch up on last week's games so I had no idea he got the win yesterday. J.T. Scotch is correct.



Another hint:



This player is an American professional baseball infielder born on December 3, 1990, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A former standout at Bishop Kelley High School, he went on to play college baseball at the University of Arkansas, where he was a consistent contributor over three seasons. Drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft, this player moved through the minors and made his major league debut in 2016 after being notably added to the Mets' 2015 postseason roster without prior MLB experience.



He spent parts of three seasons with the Mets, showing defensive versatility by playing multiple infield and outfield positions. Following his time with New York, this player had brief stints with the Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals, and Chicago White Sox, primarily serving as a depth infielder and organizational player. In 2022, he joined the Cincinnati Reds, where he enjoyed one of his most active MLB seasons, appearing in 92 games. After another brief stretch in 2023 with the Reds, he elected free agency.



This player then signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball in late 2023. However, his time in Japan was short-lived due to a shoulder injury that led to season-ending surgery and his release in June 2024. Known more for his utility and adaptability than for offensive production, this player has built a career as a journeyman infielder, contributing to several organizations across both MLB and NPB.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/5/5ae83298_mlbam.jpg>

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

Matt Reynolds

[Edgy MD]

Matt Reynolds.



(OE: Well, shit. I just sat there thinking Matt ... Matt ... Matt ... SOMETHING!)

[Cowtipper]

Matt Reynolds is correct! He was one of those guys who had a high average and/or OBP in the low minors once or twice that I hope would eventually make it. It was cool when he randomly returned with NY in 2022 after disappearing for a while.



Another hint:



This player, born in New Jersey in 1985, is a former MLB pitcher and current head baseball coach at Villanova University. After excelling at Bishop George Ahr High School and Villanova—where he once threw a no-hitter—he played summer ball with the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod League. Drafted in the second round by the New York Mets in 2006, this player began his pro career in the minors, where he showed promise, including a standout season in Binghamton and an appearance in the 2007 Futures Game.



In 2008, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins as part of the Johan Santana deal, then moved to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009. His MLB career was brief, totaling 10 games across two seasons with a 0–3 record and a 7.90 ERA. Following injuries and declining performance, he retired in 2012 after a short return to the Mets organization.



This player transitioned to coaching, becoming Villanova's pitching coach in 2013 and head coach in 2016. Despite challenges rebuilding the program, he has steadily led the team through multiple seasons, achieving modest improvement and stability over time.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/d/dfc75f7e_davis.jpg>

[MFS62]

Aaron Ledesma



Later

[Cowtipper]

Aaron Ledesma is correct! (But he's not the guy in the D-Backs hat mentioned above). Ledesma became a real estate guy following his playing career and has signed a couple times through the mail for me.



Another hint:



This player, born in Otterbein, Indiana, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played briefly for the Kansas City Royals. A standout at Benton Central Junior-Senior High School, he was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1999 MLB Draft and spent six years in their minor league system before moving through several organizations, including the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros. He made his MLB debut on April 21, 2007, and appeared in 17 games that season, posting a 4.38 ERA. Though he made just one major league appearance in 2008, this player had strong performances in Triple-A, including a 0.49 ERA with Omaha in 2007. Internationally, he contributed to Team USA's victory in the 2007 Baseball World Cup. His professional career concluded in 2010 with the independent Lancaster Barnstormers. After retiring, this player returned to his hometown and works on his family's farm.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/a/aa0fb28a_davis.jpg>

[MFS62]

Neal Musser



Later

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

The guy traded for Santana above was Kevin Mulvey

[Cowtipper]

Neal Musser is correct!



Kevin Mulvey is correct!



Another hint:



This player, born on May 15, 1976, in San Francisco, California, is a former professional baseball relief pitcher. A right-handed thrower and batter, this player attended San Francisco University High School, where he was mentored by Duncan Lyon, and later played college baseball at the University of California, Berkeley. He made his Major League Baseball debut on July 2, 2002, with the New York Mets and played his final game on June 19, 2010, for the Washington Nationals.



Over his MLB career, this player pitched for the Mets, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Nationals. His standout season came in 2005 with the Giants when he stepped in as closer during Armando Benítez's injury absence, successfully converting 23 of 28 save opportunities. That year, he made history by becoming the first pitcher since the save became an official stat in 1969 to strike out three batters with the bases loaded and nobody out, earning a save without allowing a run.



This player was traded to the Devil Rays in 2006, but a strained elbow led to Tommy John surgery that ended his season. He returned to the Giants in 2007 and pitched through the 2008 season. Briefly signed by the Seattle Mariners in 2009, he was released before the season began and soon after joined the Phillies. In 2010, he signed with the Nationals, posting a 3.57 ERA in a long relief role. After becoming a free agent, this player signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League in 2011.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/e/ecf6541c_sabr.jpg>

[Frayed Knot]

=MFS62 post_id=189244 time=1744216661 user_id=60]
Cory Ragsdale

[MFS62]

Frayed Knot wrote: =MFS62 post_id=189244 time=1744216661 user_id=60] Cory Ragsdale

Way to go, Ahab.

[Edgy MD]

The emergency replacement for Armando Benitez was Ty Walker.

[Cowtipper]

Tyler Walker is correct!



Another hint:



This player, born December 13, 1975, in Belton, South Carolina, is a former Major League Baseball catcher, first baseman, and designated hitter. He played eight seasons in the majors, primarily with the Minnesota Twins, and later with the Washington Nationals. Known more for his power hitting than defensive skills, he hit 60 home runs in 472 games and was notably the active player with the most plate appearances without a stolen base during his career.



A standout at Clemson University, this player represented the U.S. in international play, winning a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics and silver at the 1999 Pan American Games. Drafted by the Twins in 1997, he put up strong minor league numbers, but defensive struggles limited his role in the majors. His best MLB seasons came in 2003 and 2005, when he posted solid offensive numbers as a DH.



This player joined the Nationals in 2006, a season marked by a tough moment in which he was removed mid-game as a catcher after struggling with multiple stolen bases allowed and errors, prompting an emotional press conference by manager Frank Robinson. He returned to the Twins briefly in 2007 and later played in the independent Atlantic League before retiring.



Transitioning into coaching, this player joined the Nationals' minor league system in 2009, managing at several levels including Hagerstown, Potomac, Harrisburg, and currently Rochester. He also served as the Nationals' bullpen coach in 2014–2015. this player lives with his wife Holly and their five children.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/a/a073b335_sabr.jpg>

[Edgy MD]

I don't know if that guy you are describing is Drew Butera, but either way Imma guess Drew Butera was a second-rounder.

[MFS62]

Don't know who that guy is, but

Calvin Ziegler.

Later

[Cowtipper]

Calvin Ziegler is correct!



It's not Drew Butera as he was a 5th round pick in 2005.



Another hint:



This player, born December 14, 1971, in Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1996 to 1999 for the Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays. A tall right-hander at 6'5", he was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1993 MLB Draft after attending the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and playing summer ball with the Cape Cod League's Harwich Mariners.



This player is perhaps best known for being part of a 1997 trade between Oakland and St. Louis that sent slugger Mark McGwire to the Cardinals. After his MLB stint, this player played two seasons in Japan with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2000 and 2001. He is also the older brother of former MLB outfielder Ryan.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/f/ff1b916e_davis.jpg>

[MFS62]

Thanks for the hint.

Eric Ludwick.



Later

[Cowtipper]

Eric Ludwick is correct!



Another hint:



This player is a former American right-handed relief pitcher known for his powerful arm and late-career success in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). After being drafted 72nd overall by the New York Mets in 1991, he was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he debuted in the majors in 1995. This player also played briefly for the Cincinnati Reds but struggled to make a lasting impact in MLB, eventually retiring due to elbow surgeries and missing the 2001 and 2002 seasons.



In 2005, This player resurrected his career in Japan with the Yokohama BayStars, where he quickly made headlines by breaking the NPB record for fastest pitch multiple times, becoming the first pitcher in league history to throw 100 mph. He recorded 26 saves that season and was seen as a surprise success story. Over the next two years, he continued to rank among the league's top closers.



This player later joined the Yomiuri Giants, signing a lucrative deal and tying the Japanese record for saves by a foreign pitcher. In 2008, he led the Central League with 41 saves and continued to dominate through 2010. Despite saving 177 games in Japan, he was unable to land a contract for the 2011 season, which he attributed to reluctance from teams to allow a foreigner to surpass 200 career saves. He returned to the U.S. with a minor league deal from the San Francisco Giants and appeared in their Triple-A affiliate and in the Showtime series *The Franchise*, before retiring in 2012.



Off the field, This player's son Matt is a professional baseball infielder in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/6/61e151eb_davis.jpg>

[MFS62]

I don't know who that is, but nobody has guessed my adoptee Brandon Sproat.

Later

[Cowtipper]

Brandon Sproat is correct!



Another hint:



This player is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who played from 1991 to 2001 for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Falls Church, Virginia, he attended George C. Marshall High School before making his MLB debut in 1991. This player's career highlight came in 1995 when he had an outstanding season with the Cincinnati Reds, finishing with an 18-7 record and a 3.22 ERA. He was dominant in the postseason with a 1.26 ERA over two starts, though he went 0-1. That year, he was the runner-up for the National League Cy Young Award, finishing behind Greg Maddux.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/8/883355b0_sabr.jpg>

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

I looked this one up becasue I didn;t believe the Reds went to the playoffs or had a Cy Young runner up in 1995 and was wrong on both. I also didn't recognize the photo or remember the guy enough

[Cowtipper]

Yeah, he is an astoundingly easily forgotten 1990s Mets pitcher, despite playing a few years with them (1991-1993 for those wondering).

[Frayed Knot]

It's Pistol Pete Schourek

[Cowtipper]

Pete Schourek is correct!



Another hint:



This player, born in 1967 in Wisconsin, is a former MLB catcher, manager, and currently a coach with the San Diego Padres. He played eleven seasons in the majors for teams including the Astros, Cubs, Giants, and Rockies. Before his pro career, he excelled with Team USA, earning a silver medal at the 1987 Pan American Games and participating in multiple international tournaments. Drafted by the Astros in 1988, he made his MLB debut in 1991 and played until 2001.



After retiring, this player transitioned to front office roles, working in player development for the Rangers and then as assistant GM for the Angels under Jerry Dipoto. In 2016, Dipoto—then Mariners GM—hired him as Seattle's manager. Despite no prior managerial experience, this player led the Mariners for nearly nine seasons, overseeing their long-awaited return to the playoffs in 2022 and securing their first playoff series win in over two decades. However, he was unable to sustain that momentum. A late-season collapse in 2024, after holding a 10-game division lead, led to his dismissal in August, marking the end of his tenure in Seattle.



This player was known for his analytical approach and close alignment with Dipoto's vision. His managerial record stands at 668–624 with one postseason appearance. He joined the Padres in early 2025 as a special assistant in player development. Off the field, he is married to his high school sweetheart, Jill, and is the nephew of Creighton University's head baseball coach, Ed.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/d/d3cd05ca_sabr.jpg>

[MFS62]

That other clued player was Marc Kroon.



Later

[Cowtipper]

Marc Kroon is correct!



Another hint:



This player was a right-handed outfielder who played parts of four MLB seasons between 1984 and 1988, appearing in 132 games with a .234 career batting average. Though his on-field career was modest, he played a part in two significant trades that helped shape the 1986 World Series. Originally drafted by the California Angels out of Troy High School, he opted to attend Cal State Fullerton before being selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1981 draft. After a strong showing in Triple-A in 1984, he debuted with the Mets later that year.



Following a decline in performance in 1985, this player was included in a trade to the Boston Red Sox that brought Bobby Ojeda to New York—Ojeda would go on to play a key role in the Mets' 1986 championship. this player spent 1986 in the minors before being sent to Seattle as part of the deal that brought Dave Henderson and Spike Owen to Boston, both of whom played key postseason roles.



He had brief stints with the Mariners and Twins, showing flashes of success in the minors but limited impact at the major league level. He retired after the 1989 season, having last played for the Portland Beavers. His brother, Jim, was also a professional player in the Twins' system.



https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/2/204c6527_sabr.jpg>