Wilson's Wisdom: Utility Star Enjoying Second Season With Blue Crabs

Wilson's leadership evident as he helps Blue Crabs to hot start

Having a veteran presence on a team is extremely important. Those kinds of players have the experience and level-headedness to come through in critical situations while also mentoring younger, more inexperienced players to help them perform. Some teams in the Atlantic League look for a few Major League veterans to fill this role, and Southern Maryland has one with Alejandro De Aza, but the Blue Crabs have put a lot of trust in utility player Ethan Wilson by bringing him back for a second season.

Selected by Philadelphia in the second round, 49th overall, in the 2021 MLB Draft, Wilson reached Triple-A Lehigh Valley within the Phillies farm system. Once ranked as the 14th-best prospect in the Phillies organization, he was released during spring training in 2025.

He then signed with the Blue Crabs and earned a spot as the team’s starting right fielder. In 109 games, he batted .261 with 14 home runs, 70 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.

Back in Waldorf for a second season, Wilson has taken on more responsibility as one of the team’s leaders. At 26 years old, there are older players on the roster, but he is one of just four position players on the roster that has played at the Triple-A level or above.

“We have a group that has really helped the younger guys adapt to this level,” Wilson said. “I really enjoy the way that the guys have gone about coming to the field every day and putting work in, and obviously we’re playing a lot better than we were at this point last year.”

In this role, his priority is to find success here in Waldorf, both for himself and for the team.

“Going into this season, I just wanted to do whatever I can to help win a championship. The end goal [of joining the Blue Crabs] was to get back into affiliated ball, but I’m just trying to be where my feet are right now and help this team win as many games as possible.”

“I feel like I’m here for a reason.”

On top of his added role off the field, he has also spent a lot of time learning how to play first base and has become the team’s starter at the position.

“It’s been a fun adjustment. I’ve been in the outfield for a long time now, but a change of scenery has been really nice. I’ve made my fair share of errors over there early, but it’s all just a learning curve for me. I do feel like I’m getting more and more comfortable there every game.”

Through 26 games played this season, Wilson has been a steady presence both at the plate and in the field for the Blue Crabs. He is batting .255 with four home runs, 18 RBI, and five stolen bases. Between first base and right field, he owns a .976 fielding percentage. He also owns an active 15-game on-base streak which has increased his on-base percentage to .350.

With his contributions, the Blue Crabs lead the Atlantic League South Division with an 18-9 record.

As a leader, Wilson largely believes in letting players do whatever works for them. However, he still looks to find a way to help younger players grow during their time with Southern Maryland. 

“I’ve been at the highest of highs and I’ve been at the lowest of lows. I’m just trying to be there for those guys to help them navigate those situations.”

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have been proud members of the Atlantic League since 2008, the third-longest tenured team in the league. With a proud tradition of success on and off the field, many players have found a home while playing in front of Crustacean Nation, the nickname for the Blue Crabs’ avid fanbase. A host of former Major Leaguers have played for the Blue Crabs, including Chien-Ming Wang, Pat Mahomes Sr., and team legend Daryl Thompson. Many players have also made it to the Major Leagues after playing with Southern Maryland, including Isaac Mattson of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 2026 marks the 18th season of Blue Crabs baseball at Regency Furniture Stadium, where Clawsome Times Await.