Issac Williams excelled at the Prep Baseball Report Super 60 Pro Showcase in early February in Chicago. The strong showing placed the prep outfielder from Louisiana on the radar of professional scouts due to his five-tool potential.
Williams enters this spring as arguably the top prep player in Louisiana. With his senior season at Tioga High starting Thursday, he has the intangibles that professional teams seek in a MLB draft prospect. He currently is projected as a top-10-round pick for June’s MLB draft and could see his stock improve with a strong season this spring.
“It was a fun event that I think went well,” Williams said. “It has helped me out to receive more attention. National cross-checkers got to see me and now there’s some buzz on my name.”
Williams hit .442 with 11 doubles, five triples, nine home runs and 35 RBIs in 36 games as a junior last year.
Williams has an impressive 6-foot, 195-pound frame and a notable set of raw tools.
The right-handed hitter has a quick, compact swing from an upright stance and drives the ball to all parts of the field. He has speed and athleticism that allows him to impact the game in all facets. He profiles as a center fielder in pro ball due to his above-average arm strength and ability to cover significant ground.
“I feel like the biggest strength in my game right now is my hitting,” Williams said. “I feel like I can hit the ball both ways. I see the ball really well and just understand the game of hitting in every situation.”
In 144 plate appearances last year, Williams struck out 22 times and drew 25 walks. Improving on his plate discipline this spring, especially since he’s playing against high school competition, will be key for his draft stock.
He also wants to show growth as a base stealer. Last year, he stole 15 bases. He believes he can increase that number this spring, especially after dedicating significant time to improving his speed in the offseason.
“I want to steal more bases this year,” Williams said. “I just need to understand what’s going on in the game, pick up on pitchers’ moves and knowing the timing and when I can steal a bag.”
If Williams bypasses pro ball in June, he is committed to the University of New Orleans. He cited his relationship with the coaches and players and overall love for the city of New Orleans as reasons why he committed to the program as a junior on Nov. 14, 2018.
Although he’s eager for the draft process and his overall baseball future, Williams is focused on leading Tioga High to a second consecutive state championship this spring.
“I feel like this senior year I just want to leave on a good note,” Williams said. “I want to hit the ball really well, put everything I can on the field, work hard and just do the best I can do.”
Read more stories on top 2020 MLB draft prospects here.
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for five years. He’s interviewed 191 of the top draft prospects in that period, including three No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today and The Arizona Republic, have quoted his work, while he’s appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
[…] Issac Williams bursts onto the scene […]