PORT ST. LUCIE — High Mets prospect Jett Williams makes a giant first impression, by no means thoughts that he may match neatly in his little Mets cubbyhole right here. He seems like he belongs not at professional camp however a college play yard — child confronted, and 5-foot-6, 5-foot-7 or 5-foot-8. (I feel we’ve really figured that out with precision, because of Williams’ trustworthy nature and a confirming help from one of many different writers.)
Top really doesn’t matter a lot in baseball, and it doesn’t matter a whit to Williams, who in little greater than a 12 months has risen up the prospect lists all the way in which to No. 22 on not less than one (and that’s in all MLB, not simply with the Mets). One MLB scout describes Williams, admiringly, as a “pack of dynamite.”
So let’s get that top factor out of the way in which at this time.
“I all the time sort of handled it my complete whole life. However for essentially the most half it’s sort of made me what I’m at this time,” Williams mentioned on his first day in his first big-league coaching camp. “I feel I play like what individuals say. I play with a bit little bit of chip on my shoulder.”
Phrase is, the child — he’s simply 20, not sufficiently old to drink — additionally performs with a goal. Scouts say he explodes on the sphere. The Texas excessive schooler drafted No. 14 general by the Mets in 2022 is a gem, like one of many two diamonds he wears “for type” in every ear.
He’s projected as a top-of-the-order man and middle fielder or second baseman, although he’s mentioned to be “surprisingly good” at shortstop (in fact, that spot’s taken till 2031 by Francisco Lindor).
He’s fairly fashionable. Higher than that, he can actually play. The .263/.425/.451 slash line suggests a eager batting eye and plus energy that belies that stature.
One scout says he has “explosive instruments with a brief swing, correct barrel and discerning eye, sneaky pop and loads of athleticism.”
That scout provides 4 extra phrases (plus two extra letters) which will sum Williams up as concisely and completely as attainable. “Excessive baseball IQ, tenacious motor.”
Williams is set, however he isn’t unrealistic. He understands he’s all however certain to start the season at Double-A Binghamton however stresses that his objective is to make it to the majors in 2024. Primarily based on opinions collected and observations made Friday, that will be a deal with for all of us.
Scouts usually message briefly bursts of phrases quite than sentences. In Williams’ case, they describe a participant who’s going to be enjoyable as hell to look at. One scout writes: “Pace. Controls zone. Impacts ball. Tremendous younger. Nice make-up.”
They’re solely starting exercises right here, so I’ll should take their phrases for it on his play, his athleticism and even his motor. However I can attest the child if likable as hell.
He did interview after interview on his first day, and by no means minded all of the annoying questions on his top and even the spelling of his identify (seems, in response to him, his father wasn’t essentially a fan of Jett Williams, the nation singer and daughter of Hank Williams, and even Joan Jett, and easily thought the additional “T” was distinctive.)
Williams definitely is distinguishing himself together with his play, beginning at Rockwell-Warmth Excessive in Heath, Texas, inside the Dallas-Fort Price Metroplex, then following the draft settlement for a $3.9 million signing bonus, by way of many of the Mets minors. He hit 4 ranges his first full 12 months as a professional, going rapidly from rookie ball to St. Lucie to Brooklyn and eventually to Binghamton. Along with 45 stolen bases, he additionally hit 13 dwelling runs. Energy generally is available in small packages.
“I really feel like in baseball, what do you want measurement for?” Williams mentioned. “Simply trigger you’re 6-5 doesn’t imply you’re going to hit the ball farther.”
Williams is proving adept at each shortstop and middle subject, two premium positions, and says he’ll play anyplace now, that he prefers no matter place provides him the perfect likelihood to get to the majors quickest. “Brief, second, middle, left, I’ll play so long as I’m within the massive leagues the quickest,” he mentioned.
I’ll say I’m OK with that, as he already looks like a giant clubhouse plus. Within the room he radiates good feeling. He has a prepared smile, a assured air and an apparent willpower, which is able to serve him effectively. He additionally will get bonus factors for honesty.
After I requested him how tall he’s he mentioned “5-foot-7, 5-foot-8,” And that’s precisely proper. Overlook some Web pages itemizing him at 5-6. That’s plain improper. I do know as a result of a author who’s 5-7 and a half stood behind him at one level, and whereas Williams didn’t tower over him, Williams had him by just a few extra hairs. So 5-7 to 5-8 proper is correct — though with this fellow, the guess is that measurement doesn’t matter one bit.