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This was looking like a make-or-break year for Mason Williams as he was added to the New York Yankees’ 40-man roster this offseason. He was coming off of two down years after being named one of the team’s top prospects in 2013. The word bust was starting to become attached to Williams, but the Yankees saw the potential was still there and so far Williams has responded.
He began the season at Double-A Trenton and raked to the tune of .317/.407/.375 with seven doubles, 11 steals, 14 runs and 11 RBIs. He was called up to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre when Slade Heathcott got the call to replace an injured Jacoby Ellsbury. So far, Williams has impressed.
Through six games, Williams has hit .333/.357/.519 with three doubles, one triple, five runs scored and two RBIs. Yes, it is a tiny sample size, even when combined with his Double-A numbers. It is, however, encouraging since Williams is coming off of a year that saw him slash just .223/.290/.304 with 18 doubles and five home runs.
Power will never be a part of Williams’ game, at least not in terms of home runs. He does have good gap power, though, and with his speed he could become a doubles machine and a threat at the top of a lineup. He does need to work on his base-running, however. With 96 steals and 50 times caught stealing, that ratio could improve as he learns to read pitchers. His defense is already among the best in the organization.
Assuming Williams isn’t traded, he could make his MLB debut this summer when rosters expand. Once there he could gain some valuable experience as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement while getting at-bats here and there. He could be ready to contribute at the big league level on a consistent basis in 2016 as long as he maintains his current approach.
The Yankees’ farm system has been full of nice surprises this season, and Williams is among the biggest and most pleasant. If he keeps his current pace up he will climb back into the team’s top prospect lists and get a chance to crack the big league roster.
