Jeff McNeil trade accelerates big league ETA for speedy NY Mets prospect

By eliminating Jeff McNeil from the roster via trade with the Athletics last week, the ETA for one of their best prospects has accelerated. There isn’t much of a thought about him making the Opening Day roster like there has been with outfielder Carson Benge. Early on in 2026, the Mets shouldn’t be afraid about calling up Jett Williams.

Depending on where you look, Williams has been a top 100 prospect since 2023. The second of two first round picks the Mets had in 2022, he is coming off of a strong bounce back campaign that ended in Triple-A. Williams spent most of his year in Double-A, helping the Rumble Ponies earn a playoff spot and eventually win a championship sans many of their regulars who had already been promoted.

In 2026, the goal is simple: play really well in Triple-A, take the role McNeil would have had if he stayed, and help the Mets out in a large number of ways.

Jett Williams is a natural to take on the super utility role for the Mets

The Mets already have another guy on the big league roster who could be perceived as a utility man. However, they haven’t really used Luisangel Acuna this way. He has been essentially reserved for the middle infield. His slow-to-grow bat has kept him on the bench or bouncing between the majors and minors.

The thought process with Acuna has been that he’d get time in center field like he did in the minors. Even during last year’s desperation, the Mets turned to McNeil rather than Acuna at the position. Will they feel any differently about Williams?

Williams still has more innings/games at shortstop than anywhere else. Second is center field with second base earning the bronze. He’s definitely not playing shortstop regularly at the major league level for the Mets. Center field has the clearest path with the uncertainty currently at the position. Even though he’s 5’7, it shouldn’t stop his ability from playing the corner outfield or third base in a time of need.

The crowded room of top position player prospects should have the Mets eliminating a few parts with Williams as a definite trade candidate. They shouldn’t be so quick to eliminate him. He hit 17 home runs last year (7 in 151 plate appearances in Triple-A) and has the kind of blazing speed where he can quickly bump Acuna off the roster if his bat can keep up. Williams is a pest of a player who may only be getting overlooked at the moment because of the quick rise of Benge and A.J. Ewing knocking on the door behind him with a similar profile albeit with far less power.