Otters sign Williams, Omaña; extend Cronin

The Evansville Otters have signed first baseman Josh Williams and right-handed pitcher Henry Omaña and extended infielder David Cronin.

Williams, a Toronto, Ontario, Canada native, joins the Otters after spending some time in 2018 with the White Sands Pupfish in the Pecos League. With White Sands, Williams batted .333 with six home runs, 30 RBIs, 33 runs, and 13 doubles.

“Williams comes highly recommended from a trusted scout,” said Otters manager Andy McCauley. “He is a power left-handed bat that will be battling for a job at first base and in the designated hitter role.”

“I’m thankful and looking forward to the opportunity to play for this first-class organization,” said Williams.

Williams finished his collegiate career at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he hit .244 with 19 RBIs in limited at-bats in 2017.

“I’ve always loved to compete, and I take pride in that,” said Williams. “I’ll be giving it my best and will be pushing to bring another league championship to Evansville.”

Omaña is from Walnut, Calif. and joins the Otters after a couple years playing Mexico. Omaña spent 2018 with Pericos de Puebla and their respective Spring and Autumn teams. Overall, Omaña was 0-1 in 10 appearances and 14.2 innings pitched between the two seasons. In 2017, played for Acereros de Monclova. Omaña had a 4.82 ERA and 10 strikeouts in five appearances.

“Omaña played with Hunter Cullen at Cal State Fullerton and was brought to our attention by Hunter,” said McCauley.

“I am very excited to be getting an opportunity to play with the Otters and to be able to work with Coach (Max) Peterson on sharpening up my game,” said Omaña.

Omaña began his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton but finished at Cal Poly Pomona. In 2017 with Cal Poly Pomona, Omaña posted a 2.48 ERA in 94.1 innings pitched with 92 strikeouts and a 6-5 record.

“We spoke with the Mexican League team he pitched for and they spoke very highly of him,” said McCauley. “He should figure highly in the mix in our bullpen.”

“I approach each batter as if each and every pitch is important, but I focus on pitching to the catcher’s glove rather than against the individual batter,” said Omaña. “My belief is that if I execute my pitches, the batter will get himself out.”

The Otters also re-signed infielder David Cronin to a contract extension for the 2019 season.