January 31, 2023
First baseman Peyton Williams has been working hard at both phases of the game since turning pro. Williams, who has added some extra power at the plate, as well as being quicker defensively; is ready for his first spring training next month.
“I’m going to take it all in and enjoy the experience,” said Williams. “I’m not going to make the big-league team after one month so I’m going to enjoy the time, let the process happen, and enjoy the time with the guys playing baseball again.”
Williams got a brief taste of pro ball last summer after being drafted in the 7th round out of the University of Iowa.
Recording 99 at-bats for Low-A Dunedin in 2022; Williams slashed .242/.382/.333 with an OPS of .715.
The young prospect adjusted his approach this off-season to add a little more power at the plate.
“I feel a lot more comfortable with my swing,” explained Williams. “I don’t feel like I’m struggling or forcing the ball to get in the air. I feel it’s coming more naturally and I’m still able to hit the ball hard even though I’m hitting more balls in the air.”
Finding a balance between being aggressive and slowing things down are areas of focus for Williams.
“I feel like I need to be more aggressive, but a big thing is to slow everything down,” Williams added. “The game is going to speed up so I need to slow everything down and make the game feel as slow as possible so I can have as much success as possible.”
Williams has also worked on his game at first base, “I worked a lot on my pre-pitch routine,” stated Williams. “I feel I have a quicker first step and that has helped me a lot.”