5 Mets minor league storylines to watch for in 2024

2) Is Jett Williams the real deal?

Of the prospects the Mets already had thanks to the draft, it’s Jett Williams who has garnered a lot of the attention. The young shortstop has already transitioned into playing more center field. His destiny to become an heir to Brandon Nimmo or whomever else the team has at the position by the time he reaches the majors isn’t fully written. Just one full season into his professional career, we’ll need to see a bit more for convincing.

Williams will play next season all at 20 years of age, likely to start in Double-A. He finished the season there, but not before quickly graduating from Brooklyn where he hit .299/.451/.567 with 7 home runs. It came all in only 36 games.

Like many young players, Williams does struggle at times with strikeouts. He helps make up for it with walks. Combined with all three teams he played for in 2023, he had 104 bases on balls versus 118 strikeouts. The ratio more than helps.

Speed, capitalized by 45 stolen bases in 52 attempts last year, is perhaps his most dangerous weapon of all. It’s especially apparent when the .425 OBP he had comes into play. Williams has too many tools to ignore. Try not to get too impatient. Enjoy seeing him up close if you can get out to a Binghamton or Syracuse game this season.