No. 2: OF Nick Williams
Nick Williams was an enigma in 2016 with little plate discipline, hurting his overall numbers and causing him to fall down prospect lists. Williams was trying to hit his way to Philadelphia and it only hurt him, so he had to change his thinking this season.
This year in Triple-A, Williams didn’t press and just honed his craft, and it worked. In 78 games this year, Williams hit for a .280/.328/.511 line with 15 home runs and a surprisingly decent – for Williams, at least – 5.2 percent walk rate. His work in Triple-A was finished and it was time for a promotion.
Williams finally got his chance to strut his stuff in the major-leagues when Howie Kendrick landed on the disabled list for the second time this year. He jumped right in and instantly became a productive piece in the lineup. Through 16 major-league games, Williams has a .316/.349/.614 line with three home runs and 12 RBI already under his belt. It took some time and patience, but Williams finally looks like the hitter this team has needed for so long.
With Aaron Altherr out for some time, Williams will be in the lineup everyday for at least a month while Altherr’s hamstring heals. So far, Williams has been an apt replacement for Altherr in the lineup and should exceed his rookie status this season.