Mets get solid performer in King

The Mets selected Jared King, a switch-hitting left-fielder from Kansas State, in the fifth round.

King has good tools across the board, but his best tool is his bat. He's put up some impressive numbers this season for the Wildcats, hitting .327 with six home runs and 51 RBIs. He also has 15 doubles.

Mets director of amateur scouting Tommy Tanous said the Mets were surprised to see King still on the board when their fifth-round pick came around.

"I think Jared King, we were really pleasantly surprised we were able to get him in the fifth round," Tanous said. "He was a guy who was on our big board, meaning he was on a pretty short list of players. We were excited to get him."

In his collegiate career, King is hitting .339 with 21 home runs, 138 RBIs, 42 doubles and eight triples.

As he continues to develop, he has the chance to hit for both average and power. King has tremendous bat speed, he has a short stroke from both sides of the plate, and the ball carries off his bat.

He's an average runner, so he might be better suited for a corner outfield spot. His arm isn't too strong, so remaining in left field might be best for King.