Blue Jays sign second-round pick Kendall Williams

The Blue Jays have signed their 2019 second-round pick Kendall Williams, according to a recent report.

According to Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline, the Blue Jays have signed their 2019 second-round pick Kendall Williams for a sum of $1,547,500, slightly above the slot value of $1,403,200. Williams also confirmed the signing in two separate tweets on his personal Twitter account.

Previously, Williams, 18, tweeted that he was “ready to get to work” with the organization. He was committed to Vanderbilt University.

A product of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Williams, a native of Olive Branch, Mississippi, boasts a fastball that tops out at 94 mph and a developing curveball.

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In 10 appearances in 2018-19, he pitched to an ERA of 0.91 and racked up six wins, according to Max Preps. He tossed 46 innings and struck out 69 and walked just 15.

In 2017-18, he pitched to an ERA of 1.80 in 35 innings, striking out 48 and pitching to a record of 3-1. In 2016-17, he added three saves while pitching to an ERA of 2.12 in 33 frames across eight appearances.

Williams becomes the second drafted pitcher to sign with the Blue Jays this season, after Alek Manoah agreed to terms with the team on June 7.

Manoah, another right-handed pitcher, was selected out of West Virginia University with the 11th overall pick. He was the second pitcher picked in the draft and the first right-hander.

MLB.com described Williams as “the quintessential projectable high school right-hander”, lauding his four-pitch arsenal and control. More to come.