Luke Williams

IMPROVEMENT AREAS

• Evaluate sustained performance with level and age context
• Review role fit, health, roster status, and organization need

SCOUT REPORT

The Pittsburgh area high school ranks have produced some solid bats over the years, from Neil Walker back in 2003 to Alex Kirilloff in 2016 and, most recently, Cole Young in 2022. All three of those hitters were first-round picks, and Williams, who plays for Franklin Regional High School just east of the city, doesn't appear to be joining that trio that high on Draft boards. But after missing the summer showcase circuit with an ankle injury, Williams' ability to show off his premium athleticism this spring had him popping up in early-round conversations. While he's a bit raw all-around, Williams is as twitchy an athlete as there is in this class. He's not without tools, with elite bat speed and some definite raw power that he's still learning how to tap into from the right side of the plate, though it remains to be seen if he can handle premium pitching. Some scouts put the maximum 80 grade on his speed, and it was completely back this spring with no ill effects from the injury. He runs with reckless abandon, with singles and walks quickly turning into triples. It remains to be seen if Williams can slow the game down enough to play shortstop long-term. He has more than enough arm, showing the ability to crank throws in the 90s across the diamond, and his speed and athleticism help him cover a lot of ground. He plays with his hair on fire at all times, largely a good thing, but he'll need to show he can stay within himself. He gets high marks for his passion for the game, gaining kudos from the scouting industry for showing up to DH at fall events even though he wasn't at full strength just because the Vanderbilt commit wanted to compete.