Jett Williams, Photo by Ed Delany of Mets Minors
As an addendum to their previously released top 100 rankings, MLB Pipeline named one prospect from each organization who could be a candidate to ” jump onto the Top 100 during 2023.” The New York Mets candidate selected was shortstop Jett Williams.
This is the second time Williams was named as a prospect who could soon join top 100 rankings. Keith Law of The Athletic also believes Williams can be there in short order. It should be noted Baseball America believes Williams is already at this level ranking him 98th overall.
Seemingly, there is at least some doubt whether Williams can hit as anticipated. Law proffered that if Williams did hit, he will make the rankings. MLB Pipeline partially shares that view in their analysis:
Despite his size at 5-foot-8, the right-handed hitter does a good job of finding the barrel at the dish, projects for an above-average hit tool and has more power than many would expect. He’s also a plus runner and likely just needs reps before becoming at least average defensively at shortstop. If those raw tools translate quickly to pro ball — as the Mets believe they will — Williams will be a Top 100 talent in short order.
In essence, evaluators are seeing Williams as a shorter player with a lot of tools. Perhaps it is the size, and maybe it is Williams being only 19 years old, but not everyone is buying in on him just yet. Rather, they are saying they are high on him, but they they just need him to prove it.
After being drafted, Williams played in 10 games in the Florida Coast League. Over 41 plate appearances, he hit .250/.366/.438 with a double, triple, homer, and six RBI. He was a perfect 6/6 in stolen base attempts. He followed that with a strong run in the FCL playoffs.
Mets first round pick Jett Williams in the FCL playoff game on Thursday:
3-for-3, 2 BB, SB (7-for-7)
Video by @reillocity
— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) August 26, 2022
While Williams has his skeptics, the Mets were not one of them. The Mets did see enough in Williams to make him their second first round selection (14th overall) in the 2022 player draft.
It should also be noted the Mets have been exceptional in terms of the draft generating the most WAR from any National League team from their draft picks since 2010. Notably, all of their draft picks from 2010 – 2019 have made it to the majors. If nothing else, the Mets have a strong track record here giving you all the more reason to believe in Williams future.
