Mariners Prospect #23 - Ben Williamson

There are certain positions on a diamond earmarked for power bats, and third base is one of them. While the Mariners currently have Eugenio Suarez penciled in at the hot corner for 2024, his contract runs out at the season's end. If you look into the farm system, there isn't a ton of elite third-base talent until you get to Modesto, where Ben Williamson had a brief stint in 2023.

Williamson was a Day 2 pick as a college senior who excelled at William & Mary. After flashing all five tools, he was named the Colonial Athletic Association's Player of the Year. The slash line was stellar (.391/.513/.1.175), but what stood out was his ability to dominate the zone (40 BB/22 SO). Additionally, Williamson offered double-digit homers and steals in his college walk season, creating a unique profile from a traditional power position.

The Mariners opted for the cautious route, with Williamson ending his 2023 season after 12 games across two levels. The numbers aren't flashy (.268/.318/.733), but the tools were evident. Specifically the ability to make hard contact and leg out extra base hits (2 2B/2 3B).

Scouts applaud his hit tool (50 grade) and glove (55 grade) as two of the standout tools in Williamson's bag. The ceiling could be a tier below Nolan Arenado especially if his defense continues to shine in the upper levels. The approach, ability to hit and the glove are two tools that should help Williamson climb the organizational ladder where he could finish 2024 in Arkansas.