Trevor Williams: Prospect Profile for Miami Marlins' 2nd-Round Pick

Player: Trevor Williams

Drafted by: Miami Marlins (No. 44 Overall)

Position: RHP

DOB: 4/25/1992 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’3”/228 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Arizona St.

Previously Drafted: N/A

 

Background

Williams made an immediate impact at Arizona State as a freshman, as he registered a 1.91 ERA and 0.77 WHIP with 35/4 K/BB over 37.2 innings out of the bullpen. The right-hander was moved into the starting rotation the following year and subsequently emerged as arguably the top starter in the PAC-12 Conference behind an 11-2 record, 1.86 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 15 games. But while his command was outstanding with 11 walks in 101.2 innings, Williams’ inability to miss bats (only 55 strikeouts) was alarming.

After a strong showing last summer both in the Cape Cod League and for Team USA, the junior right-hander managed to improve his strikeout rate this spring, though it’s come at the cost of his overall effectiveness. In 15 starts for the Sun Devils, Williams posted a 4.17 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, allowing an uncharacteristically high 116 hits in 103.2 innings. And even though he’s fanned 77 batters during that span, he’s also issued a career-high 23 walks.

Regardless of his numbers this season, Williams’ track record as a command artist with a deep arsenal should result in his selection within the first two rounds of the draft.

Full Scouting Report

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

Body/Mechanics:

Strong, durable frame at 6’3”, 228 pounds; athletic for his size; allows him to repeat delivery with ease; demonstrates body control throughout; consistently finishes over front side; utilizes lower half to create decent torque after foot strike; clean arm action; consistent release points; noticeable self-awareness relative to mechanics and delivery.

 

Fastball: 50/50

Throws two-seam fastball in 90-93 mph range; natural sinking action; will reach back with four-seamer to pop 94-95 mph on occasion; commands each to both sides of the plate; uses it to attack both right- and left-handed hitters; pitch lacks late life; effective when locating down in the zone.

 

Curveball: 40/50

Least advanced offering; 12-to-6 shape with slow pace that gives hitters too much time to adjust; fringy command; gets hammered when left up in the zone.

Slider: 45/55

Can act as more of a cutter at times; some depth; mostly slicing action to the glove side; thrown with velocity in 83-85 mph range; doesn’t always finish the pitch; hittable when not located down in the zone; above-average potential.

 

Changeup: 60/65

Best offering at 77-80 mph; highly deceptive thanks to fastball-like arm action and release point; his only pitch capable of generating swings-and-misses; outstanding fading action down and to the arm side.

Control: 65/65

His greatest strength on the mound; always around the zone with four-pitch mix; rarely issues walks; understands how to get hitters out.

 

Command: 50/55

Legitimate feel for pitching; fastball command is vital to overall success; needs to improve location and consistency of secondary offerings; will need to work lower in the zone with breaking ball(s) at next level.

 

MLB Player Comparison: Jeff Weaver

Projection: No. 4 starter; innings eater. 

MLB ETA: 2015

 

Chances of Signing: 75%