Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 60 | Overall: 45

In 2023, the Mariners were able to snag Williamson for well-under slot value ($600,000) despite being such a high pick (second round), a byproduct of their aggressive strategy to swing for the fences with their top three picks that year, all high school bats (Colt Emerson, Jonny Farmelo, Tai Peete). They did so on the heels of Williamson’s sold senior season at William & Mary, where he had a 1.175 OPS and 12 homers in 55 games, leading to him being named the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year.

Because he went to a smaller school and he doesn’t necessarily possess big-time power at a run-producing position, the third baseman has flown a bit under the radar. He’s hit-over-power, with good contact ability to all fields. He does so with a more flat, right-handed swing, which could be why he’s not gotten the ball in the air as consistently yet, but exit velocity readings have suggested that he could grow into power in the 12-15 homer range.

It’s his glove that could carry him, though. He’s a plus defender at the hot corner who will prevent runs for whatever pitching staff he plays behind, and he can even move to shortstop when needed. His success is rooted in his body being in sync, having the instincts to read tough hops to go along with above-average arm strength.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

Since the institution of the bonus pool system, teams have routinely used at least some Day 2 picks on college seniors they can sign for under slot to help pay for other higher-priced prospects. Some are pure money savers and some might have a lower price tag but are really talented. The Mariners think Williamson is one from the latter group as they were able to get the William & Mary senior on the heels of his being named Colonial Athletic Association’s Player of the Year and raking in a brief stint in the Cape Cod League. Seattle signed the infielder for a well-below-slot bonus of $600,000 in the second round.

A right-handed hitter, Williamson has long shown a strong feel to hit and an advanced approach at the plate. He makes a ton of contact, doesn’t chase and walked more than he struck out in college, leading to his huge .391/.513/.662 breakout in 2023. It’s a hit-over-power approach, with this past spring the first time he got to his raw power with any consistency, and he’ll have to show he can do that with wood in his hands at this level.

Williamson is a heady baserunner with average speed and more than enough agility to play a very good third base, with some thinking he’ll be plus at the hot corner in the future. The 22-year-old Virginian reached full-season ball quickly in his debut summer. If he can make the leap from smaller college program to the pro game many predict, he could be a steal of the Draft.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	05/15/2024	3B Ben Williamson assigned to Arkansas Travelers from Everett AquaSox.
	04/03/2024	3B Ben Williamson assigned to Everett AquaSox from Modesto Nuts.
	03/07/2024	Seattle Mariners Prospects activated 3B Ben Williamson.
	03/05/2024	3B Ben Williamson assigned to Seattle Mariners.
	09/22/2023	Modesto Nuts activated 3B Ben Williamson from the 7-day injured list.
	08/23/2023	Modesto Nuts placed 3B Ben Williamson on the 7-day injured list.
	07/26/2023	Modesto Nuts activated 3B Ben Williamson from the reserve list.
	07/25/2023	3B Ben Williamson assigned to Modesto Nuts from ACL Mariners.
	07/21/2023	3B Ben Williamson assigned to ACL Mariners.
	07/18/2023	Seattle Mariners signed 3B Ben Williamson.
	06/08/2023	3B Ben Williamson assigned to College Workout.
	04/03/2023	3B Ben Williamson assigned to William & Mary Tribe.
	04/03/2023	William & Mary Tribe activated 3B Ben Williamson.