Williamson's MLB Draft Outlook
UCF Outfielder Andrew Williamson Ranks Among Top Prospects for MLB Draft
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UCF outfielder Andrew Williamson is heading into the MLB draft ranked as a top-50 prospect. ESPN has him at No. 50 overall, while MLB Pipeline slots him at No. 52, according to Palm Beach Post.
The draft falls right around Williamson's birthday — making it a potential once-in-a-lifetime gift. The 6-foot, 175-pound junior had a breakout season for the Knights, hitting a career-high 16 home runs and driving in 48 runs.
A Career-High Season Puts Williamson on the Map
Williamson's 2024 season was his best yet at UCF. He slugged 16 home runs — the most of his college career. He also added 48 RBIs for the Knights. Those numbers helped push him into the conversation as one of college baseball's top outfield prospects, Florida Today reported.
He also made noise in the postseason. Williamson earned all-tournament honors at the Auburn Regional. That made him the eighth player in UCF program history to earn that honor in a single game, according to News-Journal Online.
From Backyard Swings to a Pro-Ready Outfielder
Williamson's love for baseball started early. He began playing at just 3 years old. His early idol was former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier. Williamson copied Ethier's swing — and even his smile — as a kid, The Ledger reported.
That early passion shaped him into a polished outfielder. Scouts have praised his defense and instincts in the field. Williamson himself points to his glove and his character as two of his biggest selling points heading into draft day.
Scouts Question His Hit Tool, But Williamson Pushes Back
Not everyone is sold on every part of Williamson's game. Some scouts have raised concerns about his hit tool — baseball's term for a player's ability to make consistent contact. It is one reason he is ranked in the 50s rather than the top 25, according to Naples News.
Williamson does not shy away from the criticism. He insists his defense and makeup — the character traits teams look for off the field — are strong. He believes those qualities will win over any team that takes a close look at him before draft day.
What a Top-50 Draft Pick Could Mean for UCF Baseball
Landing a top-50 pick out of UCF would be a big deal for the program. The Knights are not traditionally known as a top MLB pipeline school. A high draft selection for Williamson would shine a national spotlight on UCF baseball and its ability to develop pro-level talent.
For Williamson, the stakes are personal too. Getting drafted on or near his birthday would cap off a college career that steadily built toward this moment — from a 3-year-old copying Andre Ethier to a legitimate first-round-fringe MLB prospect, Florida Today noted.
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