The Atlanta Braves are bringing back a familiar name. Per his transaction log, infielder has rejoined the organization on a minor-league deal. He spent brief stretches with the big-league club last season, seeing time in the infield and even making a few mop-up pitching appearances during blowouts.
After the 2024 season, the infielder was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett but chose free agency instead of accepting the assignment. In the end, he returned to the same organization he would have remained with anyway.
If he remains with the club in some form during the regular season, this would mark his fourth year in the Braves’ system. Atlanta claimed him off waivers from the Dodgers in June 2023, and aside from brief stints in free agency, he has been with the organization ever since.
In 45 games with the Braves last season, Williams hit .129 with a .370 OPS, failing to homer while driving in five runs. His numbers at Triple-A Gwinnett were even rougher: a .114 average and .313 OPS over 24 games, with no home runs and two RBIs. Interestingly, his major-league production was slightly better than his minor-league output.
The timing of the move makes sense following Ha-Seong Kim’s right middle finger injury. Williams adds organizational depth, even if he isn’t expected to play a major role. Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo remain the primary options at shortstop, with Nacho Alvarez Jr. also in the mix.
If Williams does reach the majors, his likely role would be as a late-inning defensive replacement or an occasional spot starter to give regulars a day off. At Triple-A, he should see more consistent playing time. While his 2024 numbers with Gwinnett were disappointing, he has performed better there in the past.
In 2023, Williams hit .282 with an .839 OPS across 55 games for the Stripers. Replicating that production may be unlikely, but he could reasonably improve on last season’s struggles.
And yes, there’s always the chance he takes the mound again. Williams made six pitching appearances last year, giving up two earned runs over six innings. Five of those outings were scoreless, showing he can hold his own when asked to eat innings.
