The #9 player on the Milwaukee Brewers Prospect Countdown is right handed pitcher Devin Williams, who was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft out of Hazelwood West High School in Hazelwood, MO. Williams, now 21, has spent four seasons in the minors across both Rookie ball and the single A level.

In his first two seasons spent in Rookie ball, Williams appeared in 28 games, tossing 94.2 innings, and posting a record of 5-10. Last season at the single A level with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Williams made 22 appearances, starting 13 of them and pitching 89.0 innings. He finished the season with a 3-9 record, a 3.44 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.247. Williams also posted 9.0 SO/9 and a 2.47 SO/BB ratio. This season with the Timber Rattlers, Williams has appeared in 5 games, starting 4 of them and pitching a total of 21.0 innings. He has a 1-1 record, a 4.29 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.286.

Despite his #9 status, Williams is not perfect. He has the ability to have a three pitch arsenal made up of a low to mid 90’s fastball, a slider, and a changeup. There have been some questions about Williams’ ability to command his pitches and he has had control issues arise in his short career. During the 2015 season, he averaged 3.6 walks per 9 innings and also had 19 wild pitches. He definitely has the potential to be a middle of the rotation guy, but he must work on his command in order to translate into a difference maker in the Majors.

As he continues to develop, there is hope that Williams will be able to solve his control problems and possibly add a bit of velocity to his fastball. He is built like a taller Zach Davies, listed as 6’3″ and 165 pounds, and by adding a bit of weight to his frame it is possible that Williams could raise his fastball into the mid 90’s consistently. Only time will tell what happens with the young right hander, but it will be interesting to see how he grows.

Moving forward, at only 21 years old, Williams should have at least a few years to work out his kinks. As David Stearns continues to rebuild the farm system, though, he will definitely need to improve if he wants to show that he can help the Major League squad. If the Brewers are truly committed to this rebuild, there will likely be no rush to get Williams into the Majors and he should get all the time he needs in the minors to become the pitcher that the Brewers and fans would like him to be.

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