Kahlil

Watson

Watson was hitting .247/.337/.461 in 59 games at Double-A with eight home runs and seven steals. The 22-year-old was the 16th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft but struggled in the Miami organization. The Guardians took a gamble on him in the Josh Bell trade back in 2023 and moved Watson out to the outfield from shortstop. He’s now one step closer to making his MLB debut, but this seems mostly like a move to challenge him against better pitching.

Well, we can just call this the deal of disappointments. The 20-year-old Watson was the Marlins’ first-round pick (No. 16 overall) in the 2021 draft, but he’s hit just .234/.331/.412 through his first 157 pro games while striking out 32 percent of the time. He’s also dealt with some injuries, but there’s a lot of boom or bust potential here. The Guardians will now try to see if he can realize his potential.

Watson also drew a walk. The doubles are nice, so is the steal, but the free pass is the big deal here, as that’s the first time he’s gotten on first via base on balls since May 19. Yep, an entire month passed between free passes, and it’s caused Watson to post an ugly 89/10 K/BB ratio in his first full season. The talent is obvious; Watson is a teenager until next April who has the tools to hit for average, power and steal bases. To say that his approach is going to have to get better to reach those lofty heights is an understatement. Fortunately, there’s plenty of time.

The homer is the sixth of the season for Watson, and the steal gives him six thefts, as well. The 19-year-old started out as hot as possible, and even after going through some struggles over the past few weeks, he’s slashing a respectable .260/.308/.521 in his first professional season. There’s a ways to go before Watson is ready, but very few players in the minors have as much upside as he offers.

Watson, 18, has been as impressive as any young prospect in baseball to begin the season. That’s already the fourth homer for the 16th pick of last year’s draft, and he’s slashing .391/.440/1.023 with a steal in six games. That draft position may be a bit misleading; Watson was considered one of the best prospects in the class, but fell due to bonus concerns. Other team’s loss is Miami’s gain; Watson can contribute in every fantasy category, and is very likely to stay at shortstop. He could be a star when he’s ready to roll by the end of the 2024 season -- maybe even sooner.

Mish adds that Watson is in Miami taking a physical and that the deal will be officially announced on Sunday. With less than 24 hours remaining before the August 1 signing deadline, the Marlins appear to have beaten the clock, coming to terms with Watson, a standout high school shortstop out of Wake Forest HS in North Carolina. He was considered among the top position players in the 2021 draft class, but shockingly fell to the Marlins with the 16th overall selection earlier this month. He’s expected to sign for well above the expected $3.75 million slot value.

The steal of the draft.

Watson was not an unknown coming into the 2021 season, but really improved his stock this spring. While not the biggest player, the left-handed hitting shortstop does have a chance to hit for power because of his bat speed and ability to lift the baseball. The hit tool is right behind, and while the long stroke can lead to swing-and-miss, he should make enough contact to hit for a decent average. He can also fly on the bases, and 30-plus steals are not hard to fathom at all. He’ll take a few years to develop, but Watson has a very high ceiling; one that is helped by the fact that he should stick at shortstop.