Carson Wiggins, a right‑handed pitcher from the University of Arkansas, heard his name called with the 27th overall selection in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, a pick belonging to the New York Mets.
The 22‑year‑old had been sidelined since May 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, a procedure that forced him to miss the entirety of the 2025 college season.
Despite the setback, Wiggins remains notable for a fastball that has topped out at 102 miles per hour and a sharp slider that has drawn praise from scouts.
During his freshman year he posted a 1‑1 record with three saves and a 3.21 earned run average over 14 innings, showing a mix of starter and reliever potential.
The slot value attached to the 27th pick is projected at $3.47 million, a figure that reflects both the risk of a pitcher coming off surgery and the upside of his electric arsenal.
Looking Ahead
Arkansas officials had been hoping the Arkansas Razorbacks would retain Wiggins for a redshirt sophomore season in 2027, believing an additional year could refine a third pitch and improve command, potentially elevating him into the top ten of future drafts.
Now, with the Mets’ investment, the focus shifts to how quickly the young arm can transition to professional competition and whether his repertoire can translate into consistent major‑league results.