Who doesn’t love power?
This is Blue Jays Nation’s annual Mid-Season top prospect list, where we’ll look at the 35 best prospects in the Blue Jays system. We’ll look at the player’s stats, my observations, and other publication’s scouting reports if available.
Kicking off the list, we have Peyton Williams!
Getting to know Peyton Williams….
Position: First base
Bats: Left
Born: September 14, 2000
Acquired: 7th-round, 2022 draft (Blue Jays)
Previous ranking: 38
Peyton Williams spent three seasons at the University of Iowa, where he slashed .317/.455/.593 with 21 home runs in 492 plate appearances, along with 77 walks and 83 strikeouts. The Jays picked the 6’6”, 255 lb first baseman in the seventh round of the 2022 draft.
He started his professional career with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays shortly after being drafted, slashing .242/.382/.333 with two homers in 123 plate appearances. William’s first full season in the organization saw him split time between Single-A and High-A, where he slashed .256/.347/.451 with 14 home runs in 343 plate appearances, a 9.9 BB%, and a 23 K%.
Williams started the season on the 60-day Injured List. He rehabbed with the Florida Complex League Blue Jays and the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays at the end of May before returning to the Vancouver Canadians on June 4. Since joining the Canadians, Williams is slashing .288/.381/.464 with eight home runs in 260 plate appearances, along with a 13.5 BB% and a 21.5 K% for a 137 wRC+.
P-WILLY HOMER! 💥#AtTheNat pic.twitter.com/b4CX1TzA80
— Vancouver Canadians (@vancanadians) August 11, 2024
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Coming into the Canadian’s June 4 game, they had a 23-23 record. Since then, they have a 36-29 record and have a legitimate shot at playing in their third straight Northwest League Championship Series.
Williams has some serious raw power in his bat, which makes sense, given his frame. He posts some of the best exit velocities in the organization, but he also pairs that with a good eye at the plate and draws walks at a high clip.
While he won’t ever hit for the average he did in college, Williams’ hit tool is average, as he can make solid contact and isn’t afraid to shoot the ball the opposite way to reach with a single.
All aboard the P-Willy train 🚂 #AtTheNat pic.twitter.com/55BfVVKuzo
— Vancouver Canadians (@vancanadians) August 7, 2024
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Realistically, Williams’ position is “bat,” as he’s a first baseman with a very low run grade. Defensively, he’s solid, but it won’t be surprising if the 23-year-old splits time between first base and the designated hitter role as he climbs the minor league ladder.
In case you missed it…
Honourable mentions: Infielders
Honourable mentions: Outfielders
Honourable mentions: Starting pitchers
Honourable mentions: Relief pitchers
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.