Don't expect the best power-hitting NY Mets prospect to use a torpedo bat

Two of the most talked-about players in the New York Mets' farm system are Ryan Clifford and Jett Williams. According to MLB Pipeline, both players rank in the top five in the system, with Williams ranked as the number two prospect and Clifford as the fourth. Both players seemed on track to play a significant role in the Mets' future.

After solid spring training from both players, they were assigned to Double-A Binghamton. They are expected to be everyday starters for the Rumble Ponnies and will have the entire organization watching with great interest. The two met the media before the start of the Double-A season to talk about what to expect in the upcoming year.

Ryan Clifford talks hitting and the "torpedo" bats

"Torpedo" bats have been the main story of the 2025 baseball season so far. Ever since the Yankees scored 36 runs in their opening series against the Brewers, with these new bats, everyone has been trying to replicate it. Many players, including Francisco Lindor, use some iteration of these bats during games. With all the hype surrounding them, reporters asked Clifford if he would join the trend.

Clifford feels that how the bat is constructed would negatively affect his swing. This would cause him to either struggle or re-invent his swing, which would affect his numbers and cause his stock as a prospect to fall. With Clifford so close to the majors and having a shot at first with the uncertainty of Pete Alonso's future, making any dramatic changes now would be silly, especially considering the goal that Clifford has set for himself this season.

Since being traded to the Mets, consistency has been the main issue in Clifford's game. While his power numbers have stayed relatively the same, he's seen noticeable drops in stats like batting average and OPS. In his final year in Houston, compared to his first full season with the Mets, his batting average dropped 76 points, and his OPS dropped 130 points. Hitting more consistently would allow Clifford to be seen as an all-around hitter, not just a home run or bust guy.

Jett Williams talks about his future position

Despite Williams's high praise since being drafted by the Mets in 2022, one question has surrounded him: Where will he play if he makes the majors? Williams' natural position is shortstop, but Lindor has that position locked until 2031. They also can not slide him to second because then the problem becomes where guys like Luisangel Acuna, Brett Baty, and Jeff McNeil will play? During his interview, Williams dropped a hint about where the Mets see him.

Centerfield would be the position that makes the most sense for Williams. His plus speed will allow him to cover a lot of ground, something that everyone wants in a center fielder. The Mets also do not have a clear answer for the future of center field. Tyrone Taylor is under team control for one more season, and Jose Siri has two more. Nimmo is also getting older, making him more of a corner outfielder. Williams has a golden opportunity to cement himself as the future center fielder in Queens.