Phillies 2017 season grade: Outfielder Nick Williams
After being a top prospect many were anxious to see at the big league level, Nick Williams made his highly anticipated Major League debut in 2017.
Many fans and analysts alike believed that outfielder Nick Williams would be called up by the Phillies before the end of the 2016 season.
As the most major-league ready of the top prospects in the Cole Hamels trade, it was only a matter of time before the smooth-swinging lefty made his debut after producing in the minor leagues.
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It can be argued that he should have been called up last season based off of his production, batting .287 with 13 home runs and 64 RBI in 125 games in 2016 at the Triple-A level. However, struggles with immaturity and constant arguments with his manager proved the young outfielder was not yet ready.
Williams reaffirmed this notion when asked about the adversity he went through to halt his potential call up: [quote via Matt Gelb of Philly.com]
"“In the minor leagues, I’ve been through stuff. Injuries, adversity. I don’t know. I fight. I’m just a fighter. I’ve always been a fighter…..I learned from different, immature mistakes.”"
Williams would have to continue to wait in Triple-A. He had a solid 2017 in the minors batting .280 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs in 78 games before his June 30 call up. Upon getting his chance in the major-leagues, Williams looked great.
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Williams started out hot at the plate upon being called up, notching nine hits in his first 40 at-bats, and finishing the month of July with a respectable .275 average with 4 home runs and 19 RBIs.
Many thought Williams was only going to be up for a short time to help fill a void left by injuries. However he proved he belonged at the major league level.
Williams’ final 2017 stat line was .288/.338/.473 with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs. In 343 plate appearances, he struck out 97 times and walked 20 times. His 113 OPS+ was second-highest among qualified hitters on the team behind only Aaron Altherr.
NICK WILLIAMS. B+. . OF. Philadelphia Phillies
After showing the potential displayed in the minor leagues carry into his first season in the Majors, Williams receives a grade of a B+ for his solid stats to begin his major-league career.
Next: Phillies 2017 season grades: Shortstop Freddy Galvis
In 2018, Williams should be part of a strong outfield core comprised of Odubel Herrera, Altherr, and himself.