Imagine a pitcher with a unique blend of athleticism, a diverse pitch repertoire, and a rapid rise through the ranks – that's Will Watson, the Mets' intriguing prospect ranked 9th on their 2026 list. But here's where it gets controversial: despite his impressive stats and potential, some scouts question whether his size and delivery consistency will translate to long-term success in the majors. Let's dive into Watson's journey and see why he's a player to watch – and debate.
Watson's athletic pedigree is undeniable. His father, Brad, was a football player at Puget Sound University, while his stepfather, Pat, played baseball at Pacific Lutheran University. This genetic advantage, combined with his own dedication, fueled Watson's standout high school career at Burlington Edison in Washington. He excelled in baseball, basketball, and cross-country, earning All-State honors in baseball during his senior year with a staggering 0.24 ERA and 57 strikeouts in just 29.2 innings. Despite going undrafted out of high school, Watson's journey was far from over.
His college career was a tale of perseverance and growth. After a solid year at California Lutheran University, where he showcased both pitching (1.82 ERA, 40 strikeouts) and hitting (.247/.346/.371), he transferred to San Joaquin Delta College. There, he continued to impress, posting a 2.97 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 57.2 innings, catching the eye of the Seattle Mariners, who drafted him in the 20th round. And this is the part most people miss: Watson, a Seattle native, chose to forgo signing with his hometown team, opting instead to transfer to the University of Southern California for his junior year. This decision, while surprising, ultimately led him to the Mets, who selected him in the 7th round of the 2024 draft.
Watson's professional debut was promising. Assigned to the St. Lucie Mets, he quickly demonstrated his potential, earning promotions to High-A Brooklyn and eventually Double-A Binghamton by the end of the 2025 season. His cumulative 2.60 ERA across three levels, coupled with 142 strikeouts in 121.1 innings, solidified his place as a top prospect.
Standing at 6'1" and 180 pounds, Watson is on the smaller side for a pitcher. His delivery, characterized by a low three-quarters arm slot and a long, whippy arm action, generates good extension but can sometimes lead to synchronization issues, affecting his command. This raises a crucial question: Can Watson refine his mechanics to consistently harness his potential, or will his size and delivery become limiting factors at higher levels?
Watson's arsenal is diverse, featuring a five-pitch mix: a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, circle changeup, slider, and cutter. His fastball, now consistently sitting in the mid-90s with occasional touches of 97 MPH, is his primary weapon. The slider, his go-to strikeout pitch against right-handed batters, has also seen improvement, benefiting from increased velocity and a sharper break. While his cutter is currently below average, it effectively sets up his slider, showcasing his ability to sequence pitches strategically. His circle changeup, with its high spin rate and arm-side fade, is particularly effective against left-handed hitters.
Watson's 2025 season was a breakout year, propelling him to the 9th spot on the Mets' 2026 prospect list. However, his journey is far from over. As he continues to refine his mechanics and command, the baseball world will be watching closely to see if he can overcome the doubts surrounding his size and delivery. Will Watson become a dominant force in the majors, or will he be a cautionary tale of unfulfilled potential? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Watson destined for stardom, or are the concerns about his size and delivery valid? Let us know in the comments!
