Alika Williams

WTM’S PLAYER PROFILE

2020
DNP

Baseball America ranked Williams 19th in the Rays’ system after the draft.

2021
A:  266/317/342, 237 AB, 13 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 17 BB, 43 K, 5-10 SB
A+:  279/302/475, 61 AB, 3 2B, 3 HR, 2 BB, 12 K, 1-2 SB
AAA:  222/250/556, 9 AB, 1 HR, 1 K

Williams spent most of the season in low A, although he missed most of June.  The Rays moved him up to high A late in the season and he also filled in briefly in AAA.  He showed the plus defensive skills that got him drafted so high, but he didn’t hit a great deal or post a good walk rate.  BA ranked him 29th in the Rays’ system.

2022
A+:  254/355/390, 323 AB, 10 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 47 BB, 68 K, 6-9 SB
AA:  238/333/286, 21 AB, 1 2B, 3 BB, 8 K, 1-1 SB
AAA:  177/333/235, 17 AB, 1 2B, 4 BB, 7 K, 0-1 SB

Williams spent most of the season in high A, where at 23 he wasn’t young for the league.  He put up just decent numbers on offense, although he did significantly improve his walk rate.

2023
AA (TB):  237/314/417, 156 AB, 11 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 15 BB, 34 K, 3-4 SB

The Rays sent Williams to AA, where he split his time between second and short.  He showed a little more power, but overall hit just OK.  He went to the Pirates in a trade at the beginning of June.

The Pirates’ middle infield depth is skewed heavily toward second base rather than shortstop, so Williams at least adds some needed defensive ability.  As a depth option, he should be an upgrade over Chris Owings, who adds no value on offense or defense.