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What to Expect from Mariners Infielder Ben Williamson

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 3:03 PM ET

The Mariners called up one of their former top draft picks on April 13. Ben Williamson, a second-round pick from the 2023 MLB Draft, was promoted from Tacoma (AAA) to join the Mariners.

A Look at Williamson

Mariners infield prospect Ben Williamson posted two modest seasons in 2019-20 with William & Mary of the CAA. However, the 24-year-old broke out as a fourth-year player two years ago with the Tribe, as he batted .391/.513/.662 (1.175 OPS) with a career-best 12 home runs.

Williamson proceeded to hit .394 over nine games in the Cape that summer. Seattle selected him in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft. It marked yet another instance where the M’s took a hot name outside the power schools high. The year earlier, Seattle grabbed former VCU standout Tyler Locklear in the second round.

The 24-year-old infielder spent 2024 between Everett (A+) and Arkansas (AA) and posted solid, yet unspectacular numbers. Williamson hit a combined .283, along with 34 doubles and a strong .375 OBP. However, Williamson only hit four home runs.

He saw time in Cactus League as a non-roster invite. Williamson hit .375/.474/.500 (.974 OPS) with six hits over 11 games spring games. Before the promotion, Williamson hit .281/.317/.333 with three extra-base hits (no home runs) in 14 games with the Rainiers.

Williamson’s proven to be quite adept in terms of putting ball into play and avoiding the strikeout. The 24-year-old didn’t strike out much (21.6% career K%) while in the Minors and when he swung this season at Triple-A, he posted just a 12.6% Whiff%.

However, there’s not much in terms of power in Williamson’ toolset.

Defensively, Williamson projects as a utilityman. The 24-year-old has played second, third, and short but spent the bulk of his time at third base. Scouting reports have lauded him as a plus defender.

The Mariners selected Ben Williamson’s contract on April 13.

Analysis

Williamson joins a lengthly list of infielders on Seattle’s roster. The Mariners have eight infieilders on their 26-man roster, although Dylan Moore and Miles Mastrobuoni either have experience in the outfield or have seen time out there this season.

There is some opportunity for Williamson to get some time, as Leo Rivas and Donovan Solano are hitting below .200 thus far this season. Additionally, Ryan Bliss is done for most, if not all, of the 2025 season as he recovers from a biceps injury.

However, it’s more likely than not Williamson slots in as a utilityman who fits in as either a defensive substitution/reserve in the interim. The 24-year-old isn’t a plus hitter, even though he had a penchant for putting the ball in play in the Minors.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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