Taylor Williams

Williams got little playing times as a Washington State freshman in 2011, so he transferred to Mount Hood (Ore.) CC, where he was a starting pitcher and middle infielder. He had played in the New England Collegiate League with Kent State's David Lyon, Tyler Skulina and Derek Toadvine in 2011, and they helped recruit him to the Golden Flashes for his junior season. Skulina will get drafted ahead of him in June, but it's Williams who has been Kent State's best and most consistent starter this spring. Though he's just 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, he can work at 94-95 mph with his lively fastball for a couple of innings before settling in at 90-93. He has effort in his delivery, but he generates his velocity more with his athleticism. Williams pounds the strike zone with his fastball and slider, which can be a plus pitch at times. He also mixes in a changeup against lefthanders. He helped his cause in a February matchup against San Diego third baseman Kris Bryant, striking out the draft's most dangerous hitter three times. Williams' stature and competitive nature lead most scouts to project him as a future reliever.