Speed has always been an asset that can be used in all sports. But over the last decade or so, we saw a decline in stolen bases at the MLB level. Not saying that speed can’t be used in other ways, but getting on base and getting into scoring position with a steal wasn’t nearly as prevalent as it was in the 1980s. Baseball made some changes to the game that can help base stealers, and the Astros drafted a guy who can benefit from that with their selection of Jeron Williams.
Williams started his college career at Lincoln Trail Community College before transferring to Toledo. He had a standout career for Toledo hitting .403 with 14 HR, 49 SB as a junior in 2023. Overall, he stole 72 bases in 112 game in his career at Toledo, and was only caught five times.
“I would probably say that’s my best attribute [speed] and I would say it wasn’t really became a big thing until I got to Toledo because my coaches really harped on needing to steal more bags and be more aggressive,” Williams said. “I think I could still be more aggressive, I’m just too hesitant sometimes.”
Williams ended up being a 9th round pick by the Astros in the 2023 draft. And it worked just like he had hoped.
“That’s the one team that me and my agent wanted to go to. Astros and Dodgers were the top two we really wanted to go to because we’ve always heard the actual development is really good,” Williams said. “I have a lot of raw talent but not necessarily polished player yet.”
On top of the speed, he has 15 stolen bases this season, Williams has some pop too. The 23-year-old had 14 homers his last year in college and so far this season, he has 20 extra base hits in 46 games between High-A and Double-A. But Williams still wants to continue to add more power to his game.
“I think just putting on the right weight is everything. Getting stronger while also staying lean,” Williams said. “I think next off-season I’m really going to try to gain more weight to add power for next year and hopefully keep my same speed.”
In college, Williams was a full-time shortstop starting 112 games there at Toledo. Since joining the Astros system, he has moved around. Not due to lack of the ability to play shortstop, but the Astros value versatility and the ability to play multiple positions at any given time. This year he has played 21 games at shortstop, 14 at third base, and 11 at second base, though the second base games came in High-A.
“I would say shortstop because I have been there my whole life,” Williams said on his most comfortable position. “But I’m definitely getting more used to third now.”
Williams has the arm to succeed at either position, which is one of his best attributes on defense. Athletic, quickness and a big arm is a good recipe for success defensively.
Despite being drafted less than a year ago, Williams has made it up to Double-A already. Though with that has came some extra challenges as he has moved up levels.
“Obviously velo is higher, pitchers are better. But right now since the jump from High-A to now I need to pick my spots more,” Williams said. “I’m an aggressive swinger but I think now I need to tone it down a little bit, maybe not swing as much because I make a lot of contact. So maybe just don’t get myself out as much.
“Like I will get pitches low and away right at the bottom. I don’t need to be swinging at that 0-0 or 1-0 and hitting a groundball at second or short.”
The adjustments never stop for prospects. Despite only playing in 14 games in Double-A, Williams has already shown some improvement getting hits in five of his last six games.
“They’re not leaving balls over the plate as much as High-A, obviously a little bit better stuff,” Williams said. “But I think my biggest thing is picking my spots, knowing when to be aggressive and when not to be. Just toning it down a little bit, trying to do too much.”
Williams claims to be a little unpolished, and that may be true, but posting an .834 OPS with 20 XBHs and 15 SB as a first year professional makes his ceiling seem limitless as he continues to get the development from the Astros staff. From the draft to Double-A in less than a year, Williams should continue to rise up the rankings as the adjustments and improvements take shape.
Be sure to follow on X, @AstrosFuture, follow me on Instagram, @AstrosFuture and like my Facebook page, facebook.com/AstrosFuture.
