Top 10 OBP Shortstop Prospects

10. Carson Williams - Age 20.230 - Rays

Height: 6’1“ Weight: 180lb Bats: Right Throws: Right

Selected 28th overall in 2021, Williams has had a great start to his pro career but there’s some concerns with his ability to make contact. What he lacks there, however, he makes up with big time power and XBH potential. After an .818 OPS in 2022 where he slugged 19 HR with 28 SB, Williams began his 2023 season in High A at age 20. That’s where he spent almost the entirety of his season, aside from a handful of games in Double A to end his season, and a weird 4-game stint in Triple A in the middle of the season when the Rays needed a warm body to fill in for a few games. In 105 games (462 PA), he slashed .254/.351/.506 (.857 OPS) with 23 HR, 48 XBH, and 17 SB. That was good for an outstanding 4.97% HR% and 47% XBH%. The bad part, however, is that he struck out a whopping 31.8% of the time, which was basically a repeat of what he did in Low A ball the season prior. Things won’t get any easier as he progresses through the upper minors, so he’ll need to get that in check eventually or else it’s going to severely limit his upside.

Williams has an elite glove at shortstop and possesses gold glove potential. He also has a rocket arm, already being clocked over 95 MPH on throws across the diamond. That reason alone should help his case to become an everyday player one day, but whether or not the plate discipline improves will decide if he turns into an all-star caliber player or not.

For 2024, he’ll start his season in Double A and figures to spend most of his time there. If the results are positive, he could get a little chunk of playing time in Triple A to close the season, and it’s not impossible he could reach the majors at some point, though I’d say it’s pretty doubtful. For his peak projection, I have him at .255/.335/.480 (.815 OPS) with 25 HR and 25 SB, but there’s certainly a shaky floor here.

ETA: Mid 2025