Cincinnati Reds add former top prospect Nick Williams
After failing to make an impact with the Philadelphia Phillies, Nick Williams will look to get his chance with the Cincinnati Reds.
Nick Williams was essentially the victim of a numbers crunch in Philadelphia. Once the Phillies signed Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen in free agency, it was apparent that the end of his time in the City of Brotherly Love had come. That end officially came on Tuesday, when he was designated for assignment, part of a series of roster moves made by the Phillies on that day.
It did not take long for Williams to find a home however. The Cincinnati Reds claimed him on Saturday, giving Williams a chance at a fresh start.
Hearing Nick Williams claimed by Reds on waivers. Talented player had been looking for fresh start.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) August 15, 2020
There was a time when Williams was one of the top prospects in baseball, a key piece in the trade that sent Cole Hamels to Texas. He was considered a consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2016 season, a power hitting corner outfielder that could be an impact player in the Phillies’ lineup.
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While he was solid in his first two seasons in Philadelphia, Williams just never reached his potential. His .269/.330/.446 batting line was slightly above average, but he only hit 29 homers and 26 doubles in 720 at bats. That disappointing production, coupled with his costing the Phillies 32 runs in the outfield, did not bode well for his future.
Reduced to a part time role in 2019, Williams struggled even more. He put together a .151/.196/.245 batting line in 112 plate appearances last season, hitting four doubles and two homers with 43 strikeouts. Aside from a three week stint in July, Williams found himself back in AAA until September callups were made after being demoted on June 17.
Williams does not exactly have an easy path to playing time in Cincinnati. Nick Senzel, Shogo Akiyama, and Nick Castellanos are locked into the starting lineup, while Jesse Winker is set as their designated hitter. Phil Ervin and Travis Jankowski have not exactly performed well when given a chance however, possibly opening the door for Williams to carve out a role for himself.
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Nick Williams is getting his fresh start, having been claimed by the Cincinnati Reds. Maybe this is all he needs to unlock his potential.