NC State Newsstand: Eli Serrano III signs above slot value contract with New York Mets
After being selected with the 111th overall pick by the New York Mets, former NC State outfielder Eli Serrano III elected to begin his professional career by signing with the team Sunday afternoon.
Serrano, a two-year starter with the Wolfpack, received a $697,500 signing bonus, an above slot value price, sources confirmed to TheWolfpacker.com. The outfielder was due to receive $656,400, but the Mets went over the value to secure his services.
After Serrano played first base as a freshman, he made a seamless transition to the Wolfpack’s outfield in his second collegiate season. He patrolled center with ease, including a home-run saving catch at the Athens Super Regional that helped NC State advance to the College World Series.
The Fuquay-Varina, N.C., native hit .286 with nine doubles, nine home runs and 39 RBI as the Pack made its way to Omaha. He also logged 33 walks with 36 strikeouts while he racked up 106 total bases with a .433 slugging percentage.
Serrano’s numbers took a slight dip from his freshman year, where he displayed a tad more power and a slightly higher on-base percentage. The left-handed hitter had a .389 batting average with 12 doubles, seven home runs and 32 RBI during his first collegiate season, to go with a .389 on-base percentage and a 470 slugging percentage.
Serrano was ranked as the No. 68 college prospect in the draft by D1Baseball, the No. 126 overall player by ESPN and the No. 224 pick by MLB.com going into the draft.
Tweets of the day
Top-30 2025 prospect Davion Hannah put NC State inside his top nine. He also scheduled an official visit with the Wolfpack.
NC State’s offseason strength and conditioning program is coming to a close with fall camp opening next week.
Quote of the day
NC State wide receiver Kevin Concepcion attacked the weight room this offseason with a purpose. Wolfpack Director of Strength and Conditioning Dantonio Burnette was impressed with the sophomore’s growth.
“One thing I’ve noticed about KC is his legs are so much stronger,” Burnette said. “Seeing him squat and move weight around, he’s much more powerful. He’s faster, which is really cool. He’s still young, he’s only in his second year, but he’s a hard-working dude in the weight room.”
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