Trey Williams: Prospect Profile for Philadelphia Phillies’ 7th-Round Pick

Player: Trey Williams

Drafted by: Philadelphia Phillies (No. 2011 overall)

Position: 3B

DOB: 3/9/1994 (19 years old)

Height/Weight: 6’2”/210 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: College of the Canyons

Previously Drafted: 2012, 24th round by Cardinals

 

Background

If you recognize the name, it’s because Trey Williams was a highly touted prospect in last year’s draft. He had first-round helium heading into his senior campaign at Valencia High (Calif.), but his somewhat lethargic play and seemingly careless attitude during the season caused a drop to the 24th round.

It was then he decided against attending Pepperdine, where he was committed, in favor of attending College of the Canyons, a prestigious community college in his hometown with a sterling baseball program.

His performance for COC (.324, 6 HR, 26 RBI) has been solid, but it’s going to be hard to shake that stigma that caused his meteoric drop in 2012. Williams is the son of former major leaguer Eddie Williams, who played for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

 

Full Scouting Report

Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 80-point scouting scale, with the current score first and projected score second.

Hitting: 50/65

Williams has a great bat; smooth, powerful swing; strong, quick hands; bat explodes off his bat; made consistent contact in high school, but has struggled for COC; 6-30 ratio of walks to strikeouts in 35 games in 2013; no problems against premium velocity; has struggled some against quality breaking balls; if he reaches his ceiling, he should be a .300 hitter; if he fails to adjust against breaking balls, he’ll rack up strikeouts and could be a .250 to .260 hitter.

 

Power: 50/65

Great bat speed makes him very dangerous against premium velocity; makes loud contact, so loud that most balls he squares up sound like they’re leaving the yard; struggles against breaking balls this season are slight cause for concern; will likely rack up a fair share of strikeouts; ceiling of 30 to 35 home runs annually.

 

Speed: 40/45

Not graceful, but not a base-clogger either; exceptional athleticism makes up for lack of speed; definitely more quick than fast; runs the 60-yard dash in 7.07; has enough speed to be an asset in the outfield if he ends up there.

 

Defense: 50/55

Strong defender; good footwork around the bag at third; good reaction time; soft hands; played shortstop in high school and showed good range there; should be a slightly above-average defender at third base; great arm strength gives him an added weapon; if he bulks up, he could easily slide across the infield to first base, or he could offer solid defensive value in an outfield corner; all around great baseball instincts.

 

Arm: 55/60

Strong, accurate arm; has shown some rust at COC, committing 12 errors in 35 games; should develop into an above-average tool at the professional level; plays best at third base and left field.

 

MLB Player Comparison: Juan Francisco

 

Projection: everyday third baseman for second-division team; potential All-Star

 

MLB ETA: 2018

 

Chances of Signing: 85%

The main reason Williams chose to attend College of the Canyons, instead of Pepperdine, was because it provided a more direct route to the professional ranks.

After one strong season for COC and no more complaints about his lack of energy or passion, he should have no problem getting drafted higher than the 24th round. He’s practically a lock to sign.

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