Another top prospect of the Tampa Bay Rays is joining the big league club and will debut against the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend.
Shortstop Carson Williams has been called up to the big leagues after injuries to Taylor Walls and Ha Seong Kim put both shortstops on the Injured List. Williams, the Rays’ top prospect in the organization and one of the top prospects in baseball, was called up on Thursday before the Rays opened a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals.
“There’s nerves, there’s excitement,” Williams said. “It’s a whole whirlwind of emotions, and it’s all amazing.”
Williams was the 28th pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and will get significant playing time due to injuries. Williams is excellent with the glove, as he has already earned a Gold Glove for his defense at shortstop at the Minor League level. The 22-year-old also brings good power and speed to his game. Williams is also a member of the 20 homer, 20 stolen-base club for the third year.
At Durham this season, Williams stole 22 bases and hit 23 home runs, despite his .213 average. Chandler Simpson and Bob Seymour, both teammates with Williams at AAA, did not hesitate to praise him.
“At his best, he could be an MVP, All-Star-caliber player,” Simpson said. “In my opinion, he’s got all the tools.” Williams and Simpson have been teammates since 2023, when they were at Class A Bowling Green. Seymour said that Williams is one of the best players he has ever seen.
Williams has hit 17 home runs since the first of June. He also tends to strike out a lot along with his power. He has struck out 154 times in 451 at-bats this season. Williams is expected to start at shortstop on Friday night.
Williams is the second top ten prospect in MLB to be called up to the Rays, following the call-up of Chandler Simpson in April.