Atlanta Braves: 3 prospects set for a massive 2022 season
By Matt Melton
2. RHP William Woods
In a farm system that displays multiple big-league ready arms, one player in particular that may not be as known as others is 22-year-old right-hander William Woods.
A former 23rd round pick from the 2018 MLB Draft out of Dyersburg State Community College (TN), Woods only made five starts during the 2021 season posting a 4.22 ERA, a majority of which came with High-A Rome. Despite the limited sample size, Woods also pitched in the 2021 Arizona Fall League, posting a 4.29 ERA across 21 innings.
Despite only throwing 82.1 innings since 2018, the right-hander was added to Atlanta’s 40-man roster this past November, protecting Woods from the Rule 5 Draft.
Woods’ pitch repertoire is headlined by an impressive fastball that continues to improve, flirting with triple-digits on a regular basis. In addition to this, Woods also has a solid slider and changeup, both of whom have become reliable to give the right-hander a legit three-pitch mix.
However, Woods’ biggest question has been command, something that may ultimately decide whether he settles into a starter or relief role in the big leagues.
Likely beginning the season with either High-A Rome or Double-A Mississippi, Woods is set for a breakout 2022 campaign, similar to that of current Braves No. 11 prospect Bryce Elder‘s 2021 season.
Atlanta’s current No. 27 overall prospect, don’t be surprised at all if the hard-throwing right-hander rises into the Braves Top 15-20 prospects in 2022.