Texas Rangers Prospect Profile: Nick Williams

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Texas Rangers prospect Nick Williams (LF) is getting some well-deserved attention playing in the Arizona Fall League’s Surprise Saguaros.

Williams was scheduled to have a rest day on Monday, but instead he entered the game in the third inning a launched a two-run home run.

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Heading into today’s game Nick Williams is batting .267 in 11 games in 45 at-bats. He has four runs, 12 hits, three doubles, one triple, and 9 RBI.

We could see the 21-year old lefty from Galveston in Texas Rangers’ left field as soon as 2016. Here’s a quick profile rundown of Nick Williams.

The Texas Rangers drafted Williams in the 2nd round of the 2012 draft. He is listed at 6’3″, 195 lbs, and scouts on BaseballProspectus.com agree that Williams’ frame is athletic, but there is room for growth. Before the season started Nick Williams was Texas Rangers #6 top prospect, but finished the season as the 4th top prospect.

Williams has a quick, easy stroke that allows him to repeatedly barrel balls and drive them to all fields. Though he needs to tighten his strike zone, he doesn’t swing and miss excessively.” (TexasRangers.com)

Nick Williams began the 2014 season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Hi-A), and finished with the Frisco RoughRiders (AA). Although, he did spend a mere two days (6/20-22) with the Arizona League Rangers (Rookie). His final ’14 stats: 112 G, 452 AB, 68 R, 128 H, 30 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 74 RBI, 6 SB, 8CS and a slash line of .293/.337/.543.

He is said to be a solid base runner, but with an average arm who fields better out of left than center.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Player of the Week: Myrtle Beach Pelicans (7/14/14); Hickory Crawdads (8/19/13, 4/22/13)
• Mid-Season All-Star (2014, Myrtle Beach Pelicans)
• Postseason All-Star (2014, Pelicans, 2013 Hickory Crawdads)
• MiLB.com Organization All-Star (2013, Texas Rangers)

Even though many scouts have reported the need for Nick Williams to improve his fielding skills, they have also noted his natural hitting ability. He is more comfortable in left field than in center or right. So maybe with the Rangers declining Alex Rios‘ option, and hopefully the move of Shin-Soo Choo from LF to RF, Texas will give the youngster a shot in The Show?

I know, EXTREMELY unlikely. But, with players like Williams and Joey Gallo down on the Farm the Texas Rangers’ future still looks bright.