Prior to the 2014 season, Williams was ranked by Baseball America as the Rangers fourth-best prospect, and the 97th-best overall in baseball. Playing for three minor league teams in 2014, he hit .283 with 22 walks and 140 strikeouts in 452 at bats. After the season he played for the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League, and hit .277 with 1 walk and 32 strikeouts in 112 at bats.
