Move over Daniel Espino, the Guardians have another 100-plus mph pitching prospect
What could be better than one starting pitcher in the Guardians organization throwing 100-plus mile per hour fastballs?
How about two right-handers firing three-digit heaters?
That’s the embarrassment of riches Cleveland has with RubberDucks opening day starter Gavin Williams bringing the gas.
The 2021 first round pick should eventually be joined by 2019 first round pick Daniel Espino, who is currently on the injured list, as a great one-two punch for Akron.
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“I know the type of pitchers they are,” Ducks manager Rouglas Odor said. “I know the type of personalities. When you have two pitchers like them that go so hard, the profile they have on their pitches are way above average. It’s pretty special to have a future No. 1 and No. 2 in the big leagues.”
Gavin Williams brings more than heat to Guardians organization
Williams, who topped out at 102 mph when he played for East Carolina two seasons ago, has a fastball consistently hitting 97-99 mph, but he can throw a mid-80s slider and an upper 70s curveball with incredible shape and depth.
Toss in a mid-80s changeup and it’s easy to see why Williams is the No. 2 prospect in the organization behind only Espino, according to MLB Pipeline.
“Honestly, my fastball is alright up here,” Williams said, “But it’s more the off-speed pitches that you need to be dialed into. Everybody knows that I have a good fastball, but if you can’t throw the other pitches whenever you want to, then you’re not going to have much success. It’s just dialing in a little bit better, getting my body moving the right way and just being able to be more consistent on the mound.”
2022 was a big year for Guardians pitching prospect Gavin Williams
Williams broke out in a big way in his first minor league season.
He split time between Lake County and Akron last season accumulating a 5-4 record. What stands out most is the 1.96 earned run average in 115 innings with just 40 walks compared to 149 strikeouts.
The 6-foot-6 right-hander showed enough in nine starts with the Captains to get the quick promotion after he posted a 1.40 ERA, struck out 40% of all batters faced and didn’t give up a home run.
In 16 starts with the Ducks, he logged a 2.31 ERA with 82 strikeouts.
Those 16 starts have him ready for 2023 and possible calls up to Columbus, if not Cleveland for a start or two.
“Last year was very important,” Williams said. “I know what to expect now. I know how my body works and how my pitches work. I mean, the hitters are really good up here, so I know what to do.”
Contact Brad Bournival at bbournival@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians prospect Gavin Williams has major league stuff already
