Cardinals Pick UCF Standout Outfielder Williamson with No. 68 Pick

UCF baseball had a strong season, combining veteran presences with young talents en route to a 30-win season.

Junior outfielder Andrew Williamson was UCF's most dynamic hitter this past season, leading the team with 58 runs scored, 16 home runs, 4 triples, 33 extra-base hits, 41 walks, .442 on-base percentage, .645 slugging and a 1.087 OPS, according to UCF Athletics.

Williamson, a Second Team All-Big 12 recipient, started all 55 games for UCF this past season, jumping onto MLB teams' radars with his smooth lefty swing at the plate.

After earning an MLB Draft Combine invite, Williamson made his dreams come true, landing with the St. Louis Cardinals at the No. 68 overall pick in the draft.

While current Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has had a breakout season, the roster does lack pop in the outfield, as Nathan Church is more of a defensive player.

Williamson can add to the offensive attack with his ability at the plate, while holding his own in the field.

In the Auburn Regional, Williamson burst into the tournament, hitting out three home runs in the Knights' first matchup against NC State.

Williamson's six runs batted in was a career-best mark, while his fourth home run added later in the regional marked a program-best.

The 6-foot junior outfielder moved to right field following his freshman year, where he displayed his powerful arm as well.

Williamson recorded a .972 fielding percentage with 101 putouts and a team-best 3 outfield assists, giving the Cardinals flexibility if they want to move him around in the outfield.

Prior to the draft, Williamson was ranked as the No. 48 prospect, with MLB scouts providing this snapshot about the Knights standout.

"Williamson is a strong and compact left-handed hitter who gives off some Alek Thomas or Nate McLouth type vibes," the MLB website reads... "He has a quick swing with plenty of bat speed, and he’s shown he can get to his solid raw pop in games, particularly to his pull side."

Williamson is also a respected threat on the bases, as he went 8-for-13 on stolen base attempts.

Perhaps the most promising sign for Williamson's growth was his lessened strikeout rate and increased walk percentage, as the St. Petersburg native limited Ks, and displayed patience at the dish.

Now, Williamson joins his former UCF teammate Antonio Jimenez at the next level, who was picked in the third-round by the New York Mets last year.

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