Sean McGrath
Scouting Director, New Jersey

Name: William Watson
High School: Haddon Heights HS
Position(s): SS/2B
Projected Position: SS
Commitment: -

Background

William Watson is a 5-foot-10, 135 pound middle infielder with an athletic frame that is yet to put on weight. Despite the lack of physical maturity, Watson was a standout at the New Jersey Open ID. The shortstop from Haddon Heights High School should make an impact this year on varsity.

Scouting Report

Watson started off the Open ID event by registering a 7.04 in the 60-yard dash on a slow track. It is easy to see him being a sub-6.8 runner when all is said and done because he has good foot speed and is light on his feet in the infield. The 2018 showed excellent glove work in the showcase portion of the event and had clean foot work. He displayed fluid separation and a strong arm for his age; 78 miles-per-hour across the diamond on a throw from his back hand. His throws were on target the entire day. He also showed the ability to throw from multiple arm angles.

Offensively, Watson had an athletic, balanced base and utilized a small load and stride. His hands repeatedly get into a firm hitting position, something atypical of such a young prospect. He displayed good bat path during batting practice as well. Bat speed is not there yet but it will come. He did have good barrel control and had the ability to make solid contact.