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New York Yankees: Prospects to Watch in 2016

By Christian Kouroupakis

Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees: Prospects to Watch in 2016
Jun 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Mason Williams (63) catches a fly ball hit by Baltimore Orioles first baseman Steve Pearce (not pictured) in the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Mason Williams, OF

Mason Williams struggled mightily through his journey in the Yankees farm system, but was able to improve exponentially at the plate to earn call up in 2015.

The 24- year old’s defense was declared Major League ready but his .223 batting average in Trenton had scouts writing him off. But when he came into the 2015 season, it was like a new player was on the field.

Williams had a new, patient, and mature approach at the plate and improved his average to .317 in 34 games at Trenton. The main adjustment he made was focusing on hitting line drives and ground balls to make the most out of his devastating speed. And his major league ability in Center Field did not miss a beat.

The Yankees became aware of this significant improvement and Williams earned a promotion to AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre. His production continued as he batted .321 in 20 games and go the call to the Bronx on June 12th.

In eight games in the pros he batted .286 with three doubles and one home run, and even lived up to his defensive hype by making several outstanding catches. Unfortunately for New York and Williams, he suffered a shoulder injury and underwent surgery in August. He will be ready for Spring Training and will battle Slade Heathcott for an outfield reserve spot.

Williams has the speed, defense, and his offense has shown that he could be a top tier center fielder in the near future. We saw a flash of that in 2015 and could see the same in 2016.

Next: Number 4

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