Carson Williams Could Settle Rays At Shortstop | Double-A Best Tools
The Rays drafted shortstop Carson Williams out of a San Diego high school in the first round in 2021 as one of the youngest and toolsiest players in his class.
All he’s done since then is perform at every level, and Tampa Bay views the 21-year-old as the heir apparent to their tumultuous shortstop position.
Williams won three different Best Tools categories in a survey of Southern League managers.
The Montgomery shortstop has consistently impressed opposing managers and scouts with his defense at shortstop. His arm strength is plus-plus and a major asset at the position, allowing him to make plays that other shortstops can’t.
He also shows off solid range, with good feet that he can slide laterally, and plus hands. He combines all of this to consistently pull off highlight reel plays.
If Williams presents a defensive downside, it’s with making routine plays. He has a bad habit of throwing off-balance when he has time to set his feet. And though his arm strength is double-plus, he has a tendency to airmail at times. He will need to cut down on the throwing errors as he matures.
Williams also is an above-average runner, though not a burner. He’s an aggressive baserunner who loves to put pressure on the defense. He is always looking to take extra bases, whether it’s on balls in play or stealing on the pitch.
While his defense shines, Williams is no slouch with the bat. He combines a rare blend of power and patience for an up-the-middle defender.
He has a quick, wiry, righthander swing that produces plus pop, and he has a knack for lifting the ball. He has always been willing to take a walk and displays strong chase rates.
The attribute that could keep him from stardom is his propensity to whiff, though he had dramatically improved his strikeout rate this season.
Williams is a well-rounded prospect who impacts the game in so many different ways. He projects to be a do-it-all shortstop with all-star upside.
