Mets 'on Track' to Sign Matthew Allan Despite His Commitment to Florida
By Michael Luciano
At a time where little good news exists around the New York Mets, there is finally somethings that fans in Queens can hold their heads high about, and for once it doesn't include Pete Alonso or Jeff McNeil.
The Mets took a risk in the third round when they drafted Matthew Allan, a right-hander from Seminole High School in Sanford, Fla. While Allan fell in the draft because of what was perceived as a strong commitment to Florida, the Mets appear to be on the verge of signing of both him and Mississippi State outfielder Jake Mangum.
Mets said on track to sign 3rd and 4th round picks, Matthew Allan and Jake Mangum, possibly this week. Mangum, Miss. St. OF, is senior and his likely below slot deal should help sign Allan, prep RHP from Sanford, Fla. Allan is a U of Fla. commit and his signing would be a coup.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 23, 2019
This would be a massive grab for the Mets, who expended an early pick on Allan despite knowledge of his desire to join the Gators. He was ranked as highly as the No. 13 overall player in the draft pool, and if they can convince him to join the ranks in the minor leagues, it would be a big win.
Allan will need a few years in the minor leagues to improve his control, but his stuff will play in the big leagues. With a mid-90s fastball as well as a nasty curveball in the high-70s, Allan should fast-track through the minor leagues quicker than most who enter the fray straight out of high school.
‘19 FL RHP Matthew Allan with a powerful couple innings, working 91-95 (93), loose/whippy arm with good extension, good physicality, lots of strikes, manipulates shape of CB at 78-80. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/4RFREQ00Gb
— Brian Sakowski (@B_Sakowski_PG) July 2, 2018
While Kevin O'Sullivan and Florida will be distraught over losing Allan to the pros, if the Mets finalize his deal, Amazins' fans can finally find something positive to say about general manager Brodie Van Wagenan.