Fansided

10 best prospects moved at the MLB Trade Deadline

By Nathaniel Reeves

Aug 2, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Ben Revere (2) and teammates celebrate win against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Cardinals, 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Ben Revere (2) and teammates celebrate win against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Cardinals, 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Williams, OF, Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies got a strong haul for Hamels, pulling in three prospects with the chance to become big-league regulars. Of those, Williams might have the most potential.

Williams has all the physical tools to be an above-average player in the Majors. At 6-3, 195 pounds, Williams has great raw power, and adds good speed to his skill set.

Despite some strong numbers at lower levels of the minors in 2013 and 2014, Williams was a bit slow to rise through the Rangers’ organization. It wasn’t until last season that Williams made it Double-A, and he struggled mightily in his 15 games there.

Then, something clicked this season that allowed Williams to start reaching his full potential. Williams hit .299/.357/.479  in 97 games at Double-A with Texas, slugging 13 home runs and stealing 10 bases.

Perhaps the biggest indication of a breakout is the improvement in Williams’ plate discipline numbers, which had been a major red flag prior to this season. Williams is striking out at an 18.6 percent rate according to FanGraphs, down over 10 percent from High-A, and his walk rate is up three ticks.

The tools are there for Williams to be a star, although it doesn’t appear he will ever be able to fully utilize them. Still, Williams projects for good power, strong average and decent defense in the majors, which makes quite a valuable prospect.

Next: Jorge Alfaro, C, Philadelphia Phillies

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