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2025 MLB Draft Profile: Billy Carlson
2025 MLB Draft Profile: Billy Carlson
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 65 | Field: 70 | Overall: 55
If this draft has one thing, it’s deep talent coming out of Southern California—specifically, Corona High School, which already has its second player being covered. Check out Seth Herndandez’s profile right here. This time, though, it’s shortstop Billy Carlson who has a case to be the best defensive shortstop in this class.
At just 18 years old, there’s already a lot to like about Billy Carlson’s game. He shows great bat speed and uses it to spray the ball all over the field. Hit’s lot’s of line drives and overall just often hits the ball hard.
The power will need some development, and overall, some scouts worry about the hit tool and its ability to translate to higher levels. What isn’t an issue for Billy Carlson is his glove; in fact, some may say it’s elite.
At 6’1, Carlson covers a lot of ground and shows great range at his size. He has an excellent feel for the position and demonstrates a nice calmness when fielding a ground ball. He can make pretty much any throw and demonstrates an elite arm from his days as a pitcher.
I see some Andrelton Simmons in a guy like Billy Carlson. He may never be an elite option at the plate. But man, it’ll be exciting to watch him make plays on the defensive side.
Just look back at that video. It’s so smooth and seamless when he’s fielding a ground ball. Like how some MLB players make it look. He’s only 18 yet plays the position like a 10-year vet.
I also think there is a chance for Carlson to develop into a great hitter. He is only 18 years old and already shows great discipline and maturity while at the plate. He will be a longer-term project for whoever drafts him, but I don’t think that should be a deterrent.
The overall lackluster hit tool may also deter some teams. Fair enough, having a great glove is cool, but you have to be able to hit in some way to become a mainstay in a lineup.
Which is why I don’t worry so much about Billy Carlson. The hit tool has been there, just not the power. Which, in the year 2025, can be killer for a top prospect. What matters right now is that Carlson hits the ball hard and often.
Whichever team sees that and can have Carlson make the proper adjustments will be very glad they did. Even if he never fully develops the power, everything else apart from Billy Carlson’s game should be enough to make up for it.
Carlson will likely end up being a top 10 pick. Even at just 18 years old, he plays a valuable position and shows the ability to play it well. Some team is gonna take a chance on him being the shortstop of the future. Will they be right?
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