Henry Williams Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: The Padres scouted Williams at Darien (Conn.) High and kept tabs on him as he made his way to Duke. He pitched just 37.2 innings in his college career before having Tommy John surgery, but the Padres saw enough in that limited stint to draft him in the third round, No. 91 overall, and sign him for an above-slot $800,000 signing bonus. Williams continued rehabbing after being selected and did not pitch in live games, but he flew out to the Padres' complex in Arizona every other weekend to throw bullpens while continuing to work toward his degree at Duke.

Scouting Report: Before his elbow reconstruction, Williams sat 94-98 mph with a high-spin fastball that played up with carry at the top of the strike zone. His three-pitch mix also includes a wipeout slider that projects as a plus pitch and a fading, mid-80s changeup. Athletic on the mound, Williams still has room on his lean frame to get stronger and add more velocity as he moves further away from surgery. He throws strikes with above-average control and has solid command of all of his pitches. Williams's build, arsenal and control are that of a no-doubt starter, but if something stalls in his rehab, his stuff would also be rather loud in a relief role.

The Future: Williams is expected to be ready for spring training and could push for a spot in Low-A Lake Elsinore's rotation to start the year. He could move quickly up the organizational depth chart if his pre-injury form.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 55. Changeup: 55. Control: 55

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