MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHSP - Will Watson

 

MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHSP - Will Watson

Will Watson is a right-handed pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization (currently with Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies). He was selected in the 7th round (203rd overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft out of USC and signed for around $281,000.

img.mlbstatic.com

Background

• Born November 7, 2002 (age 23 in 2026), from Mount Vernon/Bow, Washington. 6'1", 180 lbs.
• Path: Burlington-Edison HS → one year each at Cal Lutheran and San Joaquin Delta College (drafted by Mariners in 20th round of 2023 but did not sign) → transferred to USC for 2024 (5-2, 3.93 ERA in 50.1 IP as a starter/reliever mix).
• Quick riser in 2025 (first full pro season): Started at Low-A St. Lucie, promoted to High-A Brooklyn, then Double-A Binghamton. Combined 2.60 ERA, 142 K in 121.1 IP across 28 games (23 starts), with strong strikeout rates but elevated walks (~11-12% BB rate). He ranked as high as a top-10 Mets prospect in some midseason lists.
  amazinavenue.com
• 2026 has been tougher so far with velocity down early and a midseason oblique
• 2026 - 0-7, 7.05 in 37 total innings. Brutal.
• Career MiLB: solid overall ERA but walk issues persist. ETA often projected around 2027, but his 2026 season casts doubts on that.
  ballysports.com

Pitch Repertoire / ArsenalWatson uses a four- or five-pitch mix (four-seam, occasional two-seam/sinker, slider, changeup, and a cutter added in pro ball). He throws from a low three-quarters arm slot with a long/whippy arm action, good extension, and some effort/length in the delivery that can affect command. Velocity jumped across the board after turning pro (weight room + mechanical tweaks). He works more east-west and has shown reverse splits at times thanks to the changeup.

baseballsavant.mlb.com

Key pitches (primarily from 2025 data and scouting reports; grades approximate and vary by source, e.g., MLB Pipeline/Savant around 55s for main pitches, lower for cutter/control):

• Four-seam fastball (primary pitch, ~45-50%+ usage): Sits 94-96 mph (touched 97), with promising ride/induced vertical break (often 16-18"+ IVB from a relatively low release) and some arm-side run. Plays up with flat approach angle; generates whiffs and is described as above-average to plus. Occasional two-seam/sinker variant with more run.
  tjstats.ca
• Slider (key secondary, especially vs. RHH; ~20-25%): Mid-80s (around 84-87 mph, up a few mph pro). Gloveside movement; used for strikeouts, expanding the zone, and pairing with the cutter/fastball. Above-average potential with good chase/whiff rates.
  baseballsavant.mlb.com
• Changeup (strong vs. LHH; ~10-15%): Upper-80s (around 87-90 mph). Circle change with significant horizontal/armside run and some depth; deceptive (thrown like the fastball). High whiff potential; helped produce reverse splits (held LHH to low averages/OPS in 2025). One of his more comfortable pitches.
  sports.yahoo.com
• Cutter (newer addition, learned/refined in pro ball, sometimes from teammates; ~10-15%): 88-91 mph. Bridge pitch between fastball and slider; limited movement at times and can get hit, but useful for tunneling and vs. both sides. Graded lower (fringe/below-average in pure isolation) but situationally effective.
  amazinavenue.com
• 
  

Overall scouting notes: Multiple above-average offerings with good stuff (Stuff+ metrics around average-to-slightly above in samples). Strengths include the fastball life, secondary depth, and ability to miss bats. Main concerns are command/control (walks consistently >10%, delivery length/effort), which could push him toward a relief role long-term if not refined—though the stuff plays in shorter outings. He has been compared stylistically to pitchers like Bryan Woo in approach.

baseballsavant.mlb.com

Watson remains a developmental arm with starter upside if the command improves, backed by a versatile arsenal that has helped him climb levels quickly.