Keith Law’s first mock draft ($) is out. Within he projects Nick Ciuffo and Marco Gonzales to the Rays—two players we’ve already profiled—and drops a nugget about another player the Rays like: Devin Williams.
Williams is a reedy, long-legged right-hander from Missouri with a commitment to the University of Missouri. His mechanics have a lot of moving parts—including his torso, which leans back during the process—and he lands on a stiff front leg. Still, the ball comes out of Williams’ hand quick and easy. Combine the body with the arsenal and Williams seemingly has an outside shot at becoming an impact starter, with a reasonable chance of becoming a middle-of-the-rotation presence. That’s why he might not be on the board when the Rays pick.
Excerpts from the experts
Dan Evans (October): “[Showed] plus velocity (90-93) with an above average slider at 81-82 while working from the first-base tip of the rubber.”
Perfect Game (April, $) “The definition of projection with FB already reaching 95, slider improving, lots of comps to Mariners’ Taijuan Walker.”
Franchise history at the position
The Rays have selected two high-school pitchers in the first round during their existence: Jason Standridge and Taylor Guerrieri.
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