With their second round pick in the 2019 MLB draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected high school righthanded pitcher Kendall Williams at #52 overall.

 

 

Another big-bodied righty, Williams stands 6-foot-6 and weight 205 pounds at the age of 18 (he’ll turn 19 on August 24). He moved to the IMG Academy in his sophomore year of high school, working in Florida, getting himself to be seen by plenty of scouts. Williams has a commitment to Vanderbilt so it might take some money to sign him by the Blue Jays.

 

  

The word on Williams is that he’s been ticking up the draft board, according to MLB.com who had him ranked #54 before the draft. He started the season sitting 87-91 mph but he sits 91-92 now, touching 94. He has “a steep plane and angle and there should be more consistent velocity to come as he matures.” MLB.com likes his slider and curve although some scouts seem to think that he might need an arm-angle change. He seems to have “some feel for a future average changeup” but it may be tough to tell since he didn’t have to use it much in high school. He’s also seen as a strike thrower although he could be a tough sign.

Baseball America had Williams ranked #58 and say that he has “a solid mix of five pitches, clean arm action and adequate strike-throwing ability.” BA writes that “each of his offerings project as average or above-average, led by a fastball that sits in the low 90s and touches 94-95 mph.” At the USA Baseball National High School Invitation, he showed off his slider despite having relied on his curveball previously and he also has a low-80s changeup and a two-seam fastball.

What do you think of the Blue Jays’ second round pick?

 

If you like us here, like us on Facebook!

The 2019 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Handbook is available now! Visit the Handbook page for more information!

Now is a great time to subscribe to the Blue Jays from Away Premium Content Section!

All photos are copyright Blue Jays from Away (2013-2019) and may not be used without permission.