Drafted after his senior year at the University of Arizona, this left-handed swinging outfielder brings an advanced approached to the plate and high floor, but a lack of power limits his ceiling. With his high ceiling as a 4th outfielder, Williams comes in at #27.
Donta Williams
Pos: OF
Bats: L
Throws: L
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 22
2021 Level: FCL/A-
Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 40/55
Game Power: 30/30
Raw Power: 40/40
Run: 55/55
Defense: 50/50
| Season | Team | Level | Age | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | ISO | LD% | GB% | FB% | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 2021 | BAL | CPX | 22 | 0 | 40.0% | 0.0% | .000 | .400 | .000 | .400 | .000 | 0% | 33.3% | 66.7% | .310 | 77 |
| 2021 | BAL | CPX | 22 | 0 | 14.3% | 14.3% | .500 | .571 | .500 | 1.071 | .000 | 25.0% | 75.0% | 0.0% | .521 | 200 |
| 2021 | BAL | A | 22 | 0 | 20.2% | 16.2% | .286 | .434 | .364 | .798 | .078 | 32.8% | 41.0% | 26.2% | .388 | 130 |
Most Likely Future Role: 4th outfielder
Ceiling: 2nd Division starting corner outfielder
What we know: Drafted as a senior after going undrafted in the COVID shortened 2020 draft, Williams was taken in the 4th round and with no leverage, signed for $400 K ($539K slot). At 5-10, 180 pounds, Williams has always been on on base machine, but his line drive singles approach limited his pro value. However, after returning to Arizona for his senior year, Williams popped eight home runs while slashing an impressive .342/.481/.538/1.018 with a 50 BB to 40 K ratio in 313 PAs.
In pro ball, Williams showed his same penchant for lining baseball to all fields putting up an impressive 32.8% line drive while also showing off his ability to get on base, putting up a .434 OBP in 99 PAs in Low-A. While his .388 wOBA and 130 wRC+ were impressive, his .078 ISO highlights the concerns over a lack of power.
Defensively he mainly played center field in college, but the Orioles played him mostly in left field, probably because Colton Cowser and Reed Trimble to up most of the play time there. Williams has above average speed and can cover a good amount of ground, and his arm strength should be adequate for all three outfield positions.
What we don’t know: With a lack of power, will his ability to draw walks start to degrade in the upper levels? Will he be able to get to his game power enough to become more than a fourth outfielder type?
What we think: Williams is one of those high floor, low ceilings players who with his combination of on base ability, hit tool, speed and defense that should provide value at the major league level as a fourth outfielder type.