The Philadelphia Phillies shipped utility man Luke Williams to the Giants on Sunday in exchange for minor league third basemen Will Toffey.

Williams was designated for assignment earlier in the week and rather than claiming him off waivers the Giants chose to work a deal with the Phils. At first glance, these two players are extremely similar in their offensive skillset and ability to play multiple defensive positions.

Toffey, 27, is a former 4th round pick of the Oakland A’s out of Vanderbilt University. He began 2021 playing for AA Binghamton in the Mets system before being traded mid season to the Giants and finishing the year with AAA Sacramento.

Overall Toffey slashed .217/.355/.383 while playing both corner outfield positions, first, and second base.

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The real issue with Luke Williams is that he was on the 40-man roster with little prospect of finding playing time in 2022. By swapping him for Toffey, who will not be on the 40-man , the Phillies get back a similarly skilled prospect with increased club control.

Luke Williams, a 3rd round pick of the Phillies in 2015, had arguably the best moment of the 2021 season when he hit this walk off home run against the Braves in his first big league start. Williams slashed .245/.315/.316 over 118 plate appearances putting up an anemic OPS+ 72. To his credit Williams played SEVEN positions adequately for the defensively challenged Phillies.

Luke Williams Walk-Off Home Run

I have no doubt that Gable Kapler and the Giants will develop Williams into one of the NL’s best pinch -hitters and valuable utility fielders.

Thanks for the memory Luke!