The Chicago White Sox have made a significant move in the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting shortstop Billy Carlson with the 10th overall pick. Carlson, hailing from Corona High School in California, is an 18-year-old player with an impressive record during his high school career.
In 31 games, he showcased his skills with a remarkable batting average of .365 and an on-base percentage of .517, along with a slugging percentage of .647. His formidable performance included 11 extra-base hits, six of which were home runs, and a solid record of 34 RBIs and nine stolen bases. Scouts have highlighted his presence at Corona High, where he plays alongside other top prospects, underscoring the school’s reputation for producing elite baseball talent.
Carlson’s path to professional baseball became clearer as he excelled as a position player, drawing attention for his stellar defensive capabilities. Many scouts regard him as the best defender in the 2025 draft class, credited with a powerful arm—recorded at 97 mph—along with exceptional range and instincts that could lead him to win a Gold Glove award in the future. His hitting skills are complemented by a line-drive approach and advanced bat-to-ball abilities, although it remains to be seen whether he will develop significant power at the professional level.
A notable comparison is made to Brandon Crawford, who has delivered exceptional defense while consistently producing between 10 to 15 home runs. Carlson’s potential as a high-caliber defender combined with the possibility of growing into a stronger offensive player presents an exciting outlook for his career.
Moreover, Carlson’s dual-threat capabilities as a pitcher, with a mid-90s fastball and a high-spin curveball, offer an intriguing fallback option, although early projections suggest he will primarily focus on shortstop.
As Carlson embarks on his professional journey, the White Sox and their fans can remain hopeful about the impact he may have on the team’s future, given his substantial skill set and promising career ahead.