The New York Mets chose Humber out of Rice University with their first-round pick in the 2004 Major League Baseball draft, the third overall selection. The Mets chose Humber over Jered Weaver and Stephen Drew, who also received consideration, as they considered Humber to be the "safe" selection. They also scouted Justin Verlander, who the Detroit Tigers had chosen with the second overall pick. It was reported that the Mets preferred Verlander, and would have chosen him if the Tigers had selected Drew.