Austin Barr drafted in 29th round by Mets

Austin Barr, a senior catcher from Camas and one of the top prospects in America, was selected Wednesday by the New York Mets in the 29th round of Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft.

It is unlikely that Barr will sign with the Mets. He has signed a letter of intent to play for Stanford University.

Draft experts say that college-bound players of Barr’s ability usually only consider signing professional contracts if they are among the first 50 or so picks in the draft. After the early rounds, those players are picked later in the draft by teams in case the athlete changes his mind about college. Or perhaps for a little goodwill by the club in case the club drafts the same player at a later date.

“Barr’s stock hasn’t fallen because of his play — most clubs are off him entirely because he’s committed to Stanford, and the industry believes he’ll pass on pro ball for now and re-enter the draft in 2015,” according to ESPN Insider Jason A. Churchill, who wrote about Barr last month. “Otherwise, Barr would have been a consideration in the top 100 picks.”