RHP Kendall Williams one of two players Dodgers get in Stripling trade
by Rowan Kavner
One of the two players coming the Dodgers’ way in their trade of Ross Stripling to Toronto is 2019 second-round pick Kendall Williams.
Williams, who’s expected to join the Dodgers’ player pool later this week, is a 20-year-old right-handed pitcher who had a 1.13 ERA over six games (five starts) in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League last season. The 6-foot-6-inch pitcher was ranked by MLB.com as Toronto’s №13 overall prospect.
The other player the Dodgers will receive has yet to be named. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Monday after trading Stripling that both players will need a bit of time before making Major Leaguers.
“We are definitely getting a guy that we like and feel like will fit in really well with our next crop of prospects that are coming and then another guy that will come from a bigger list that we’ll have some time to work through,” Friedman said.
MLB.com gives Williams an overall scouting grade of 50 with a 55 fastball and a 55 curveball. He also throws a slider and changeup. According to MLB.com’s scouting report, Williams’ fastball has creeped up to the mid-90s and he has a 2023 estimated big league arrival: “There’s a lot to dream on and potentially huge upside, though he’ll need time to develop and refine his craft in the Minors.”
