Top Mets prospect Jett Williams proving height doesn’t matter

PORT ST. LUCIE Top Mets prospect Jett Williams makes a big first impression, never mind that he could fit neatly in his little Mets cubbyhole here. He looks like he belongs not at pro camp but a school play yard baby faced, and 5-foot-6, 5-foot-7 or 5-foot-8. (I think weve actually figured that out with precision, thanks to Williams honest nature and a confirming assist from one of the other writers.)

Height actually doesnt matter much in baseball, and it doesnt matter a whit to Williams, who in little more than a year has risen up the prospect lists all the way to No. 22 on at least one (and thats in all MLB, not just with the Mets). One MLB scout describes Williams, admiringly, as a pack of dynamite.

So lets get that height thing out of the way today.

I always kind of dealt with it my whole entire life. But for the most part its kind of made me what I am today, Williams said on his first day in his first big-league training camp. I think I play like what people say. I play with a little bit of chip on my shoulder.

3Jett Williams is outspoken about his goal of making the majors in 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTWord is, the kid hes just 20, not old enough to drink also plays with a purpose. Scouts say he explodes on the field. The Texas high schooler drafted No. 14 overall by the Mets in 2022 is a gem, like one of the two diamonds he wears for style in each ear.

Hes projected as a top-of-the-order guy and center fielder or second baseman, though hes said to be surprisingly good at shortstop (of course, that spots taken until 2031 by Francisco Lindor).

Hes quite stylish. Better than that, he can really play. The .263/.425/.451 slash line suggests a keen batting eye and plus power that belies that stature.

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One scout says he has explosive tools with a short swing, accurate barrel and discerning eye, sneaky pop and plenty of athleticism.

That scout adds four more words (plus two more letters) that may sum Williams up as concisely and perfectly as possible. High baseball IQ, tenacious motor.

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Check out more newslettersWilliams is determined, but he isnt unrealistic. He understands hes all but sure to begin the season at Double-A Binghamton but stresses that his goal is to make it to the majors in 2024. Based on reviews collected and observations made Friday, that would be a treat for all of us.

Scouts often message in short bursts of words rather than sentences. In Williams case, they describe a player whos going to be fun as hell to watch. One scout writes: Speed. Controls zone. Impacts ball. Super young. Great makeup.

Theyre only beginning workouts here, so Ill have to take their words for it on his play, his athleticism and even his motor. But I can attest the kid if likable as hell.

3Jett Williams fields grounders at Mets spring training on Feb. 16, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTHe did interview after interview on his first day, and never minded all the annoying questions about his height or even the spelling of his name (turns out, according to him, his father wasnt necessarily a fan of Jett Williams, the country singer and daughter of Hank Williams, or even Joan Jett, and simply thought the extra T was distinctive.)

Williams certainly is distinguishing himself with his play, starting at Rockwell-Heat High in Heath, Texas, within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, then following the draft agreement for a $3.9 million signing bonus, through most of the Mets minors. He hit four levels his first full year as a pro, going quickly from rookie ball to St. Lucie to Brooklyn and finally to Binghamton. In addition to 45 stolen bases, he also hit 13 home runs. Power sometimes comes in small packages.

I feel like in baseball, what do you need size for? Williams said. Just cause youre 6-5 doesnt mean youre going to hit the ball farther.

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