The White Sox took three shortstops with their first three picks on Sunday, including their tenth overall pick, Billy Carlson.
Carlson slipped past the first nine picks despite being ranked as the fourth-best infielder and seventh overall prospect in this year’s draft, according to MLB Pipeline. The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of the top defensive shortstops in the class, boasting a strong arm, smooth glove, and some power potential.
Carlson prepped at Corona High School in California, where three players were taken in the first 50 picks. During his senior year, he slashed .365/.517/.647 with four doubles, six home runs, and 33 RBIs across 31 games for the Panthers.
Scouting grades for Carlson paint him as a elite defender, with Baseball America giving him a 70 grade in fielding and arm strength. Carlson can throw over 90 mph from shortstop and even pitched in high school, posting a career high school ERA of 0.94 in 22 appearances.
The pick reflects Chris Getz’s focus on strengthening the club’s defense up the middle. While Carlson isn’t best known for his bat — earning a 50 grade for hitting and 45 for power from Baseball America — that doesn’t mean he can’t hit. It’s a point he made clear when speaking with reporters.
“I feel like this spring I showed I can bang with the best of them and really have some thump for my size,” Carlson said.
He marks just the third high school shortstop to be drafted by the White Sox in the first round, joining the White Sox 2021 first round selection, Colson Montgomery, and Steve Bueschele in 1979.
While it’s unclear what position the White Sox envision for Carlson long-term — especially with Colson Montgomery starting at third base on Sunday — it’s clear that Chris Getz is targeting athletic players who offer defensive versatility.
Carlson was committed to play for Tennessee but will instead begin developing as a pro in the White Sox farm system. While the White Sox will need to work to get his hit tool caught up to his defense, Carlson still does boast a solid swing with a line drive approach at the plate.
“Just super stoked and ready to get to work. We are barely scratching the surface as far as the hitting side,” Carlson said. “I feel like there are a lot of good years coming with the stick. I don’t think it needs to be a worry for anyone. It’s going to be a fun road.”
