Baseball’s Next Big Thing? Meet Will Watson, the Mets’ Rising Star with a Controversial Path to the Big Leagues.
Will Watson’s journey to becoming one of the New York Mets’ top prospects is as fascinating as it is unconventional. Born into a family of athletes—his father, Brad, played football for Puget Sound University, while his stepfather, Pat, showcased baseball prowess at Pacific Lutheran University—Watson was destined for sports greatness. Growing up in Burlington, Washington, he was a three-sport star at Burlington Edison High School, excelling in baseball, basketball, and cross-country track. His senior year in 2021 was nothing short of spectacular, earning Washington All-State honors with a jaw-dropping 0.24 ERA over 29.2 innings and 57 strikeouts. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite his high school heroics, Watson went undrafted, a fact that still puzzles scouts and fans alike. Was this an oversight, or did teams see something the rest of us missed?
Undeterred, Watson took his talents to California Lutheran University in 2022, where he continued to dominate. He posted a 1.82 ERA in 34.2 innings, striking out 40 batters while allowing just 18 hits. But Watson wasn’t just a pitcher—he also played 36 games as an infielder, batting .247/.346/.371 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, and 4 stolen bases. His versatility was on full display, yet he remained under the radar. In 2023, he transferred to San Joaquin Delta College, where he started five of 19 games, recording a 2.97 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 57.2 innings. The Seattle Mariners finally took notice, drafting him in the 20th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. But in a move that shocked many, Watson declined to sign with his hometown team, opting instead to transfer to the University of Southern California for his junior season. Was this a strategic gamble, or did Watson simply have bigger plans?
At USC, Watson appeared in 16 games, starting 9, and posted a 3.93 ERA in 50.1 innings. His performance caught the Mets’ attention, and they selected him in the 7th round of the 2024 draft, signing him for $281,300. Assigned to the St. Lucie Mets, he made an immediate impact, allowing just one run in 2.2 innings. The 2025 season was his breakout year: Watson posted a cumulative 2.60 ERA across 121.1 innings, striking out 142 batters while walking just 58. His rise through the ranks—from Single-A to Double-A—was nothing short of remarkable. But this is the part most people miss: Watson’s success isn’t just about his stats; it’s about his ability to adapt and improve, even when faced with adversity.
Standing at 6’1” and weighing 180 pounds, Watson isn’t your typical towering pitcher. Yet, his athleticism and unique delivery—a low-three-quarters arm slot with a long, whippy arm action—make him a force to be reckoned with. However, his mechanics aren’t without flaws. He tends to rush his delivery, causing his upper and lower body to fall out of sync, which can affect his command. Is this a fixable issue, or could it be his Achilles’ heel? Additionally, Watson throws with noticeable effort, which, combined with his smaller frame, raises questions about his long-term durability.
Watson’s pitching arsenal is a five-pitch mix: a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, circle changeup, slider, and cutter. His fastball, now sitting comfortably in the mid-90s with a max of 97 MPH, is his bread and butter. His slider, sitting in the mid-80s, is his go-to strikeout pitch against right-handed batters, while his circle changeup is equally effective against lefties. Interestingly, his cutter—a pitch he learned from teammate Joel Pintaro—is still a work in progress but becomes a weapon when paired with his slider. Could this be the key to unlocking Watson’s full potential, or is he spreading himself too thin?
As we look ahead to 2026, Watson sits at No. 9 on the Mets’ Top 25 Prospects list, but his ceiling seems limitless. With his unique background, relentless work ethic, and undeniable talent, he’s a player to watch. But the question remains: Can Will Watson overcome his mechanical challenges and health concerns to become a mainstay in the Mets’ rotation? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Watson the real deal, or is there a reason teams initially overlooked him? Let us know in the comments below!
