Andrew Buller-Russ
The Cleveland Guardians have been blessed by having several top arms in recent times, from Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Shane Bieber, and more. Could Gavin Williams become the next starter to make a name for himself at Progressive Field?
For those who aren’t familiar, Williams is the team’s top pitching prospect, ranked 16th overall in MLB.com’s top-100, who was just called up to make his MLB debut. The 6-foot-6 23-year-old right-handed pitcher will take the mound on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics, who have enjoyed a recent surge, but still have the American League’s fewest runs scored this season.
Williams was Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2021, the 23rd overall pick. He’s cruised through the minor leagues, beginning in advanced A-ball for just nine games before being pushed to Double-A to close out the 2022 season.
He returned to the Akron RubberDucks at the start of the 2023 campaign, making just three starts before being promoted to the club’s top level in the minors. Now, after recording a 2.93 ERA in nine starts, Williams is ready for the big leagues.
The lanky pitching prospect is best known for his overpowering four-seam fastball, which can reach triple digits. But Williams can also get his curveball, changeup, and slider over the place with a moderate amount of consistency. The former East Carolina University still struggles with his control at times, but he’s continued to refine his game as he reaches the upper ranks.
Now, there’s hope Williams can help the Guardians catch up to the Minnesota Twins in a dreadful AL Central Division race where no team is above .500 entering play on Tuesday. The Guardians sit just two games back of the division leader. Yet, Williams’ reign in the majors may not last long, with fellow starter Cal Quantrill likely set to return soon.
Then again, this is a big opportunity for Williams, as Triston McKenzie was recently diagnosed with a UCL sprain in his throwing elbow and could be looking at missing a significant amount of time depending on how his recovery process goes.
Fans tuning in to see Williams will see the team’s newest starter on the mound for a 7:10 PM ET start time on Wednesday night in Cleveland.
Related: 2023 MLB power rankings: Reds and Cubs climb, Mets, Astros and Dodgers drop
