Carson Williams made a name for himself as a high school baseball player in California. During his senior year, he hit .494 with 11 home runs and 34 stolen bases. 

He would commit to playing college baseball at the University of California, Berkeley. However, he would enter the 2021 MLB Draft as one of the top draft prospects. 

He caught the attention of the Tampa Bay Rays, who selected him 28th overall. 

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MLB analyst has huge expectations for Rays’ top prospect Carson Williams

Carson Williams made his way through the minors and made his MLB debut last season in late August. He would face the St. Louis Cardinals, where he hit his first home run off Ryan Fernandez. 

Williams was not on the team’s Opening Day roster this year, but was quickly called up following an injury to Taylor Walls. He will begin the season as the Rays’ starting shortstop, which is a massive opportunity. 

He will get more than just a cup of coffee, and that should help his development. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter is high on the young slugger and believes he could be a serious home run threat in the future. 

“Williams was slated to start the season in Triple-A and was actually optioned to the minors before an injury to Taylor Walls led to him being called back to serve as Tampa Bay’s starting shortstop. He hit .172 with 44 strikeouts in 106 plate appearances in his debut last season, but his elite glove will keep him in the lineup. There is 30-homer upside in his bat.”

Williams is a defensive wizard, having good instincts, soft hands, and quick feet. He also hits the ball with great power, and once he gets comfortable in this league, that should translate. 

He is also someone who can swipe a few bags, making him a five-tool player who could play a huge role this year.

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