Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 70 | Field: 70 | Overall: 55

Corona (Calif.) HS had a loaded 2025 roster, producing the highest-drafted pair of high school teammates ever in right-hander Seth Hernandez (No. 6 to the Pirates) and Carlson (No. 10 to the White Sox), as well as Brewers supplemental first-rounder Brady Ebel. Several evaluators described Carlson as the best defensive prep shortstop they've ever seen, which helped him overcome some concerns about his bat. His $6,235,900 bonus is a franchise record for a high schooler.

If he weren’t such an outstanding shortstop, Carlson would have been drafted as a pitcher who reached 97 mph with his fastball and spun an impressive curveball. He had the best infield arm in the '25 Draft and possesses the arm strength and savvy to make any throw from any angle. Add in his smooth actions, range to both sides and advanced instincts, and he looks like a surefire Gold Glover.

Most scouts who covered Carlson as an amateur believed he'd need to remake his offensive game in pro ball because there was too much going on with his setup and right-handed swing. He tinkers with his stance and stroke too much. His swing can get too long, and he also can get overly passive. Chicago is trying to get him to simplify things at the plate, which they hope will allow his hand-eye coordination, bat speed and strength to translate into at least 20-homer power.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 70 | Field: 70 | Overall: 55

Corona (Calif.) HS produced the highest-drafted pair of prep teammates ever in July, with right-hander Seth Hernandez going sixth overall to the Pirates and Carlson 10th to the White Sox -- it also had infielder Brady Ebel selected 32nd by the Brewers. Multiple scouts said Carlson was the best defensive shortstop they've ever seen at the high school level, though he also comes with some concerns about his bat. His $6,235,900 bonus is the most the White Sox have ever paid a prepster.

A legitimate pitching prospect who can reach 97 mph with his fastball, Carlson had the best infield arm in the 2025 Draft and can make any throw from any angle. With smooth actions, quick feet and advanced instincts, he gobbles up balls to either side. He's a Gold Glover waiting to happen.

Though Carlson has the hand/eye coordination, bat speed and strength to produce at the plate, most evaluators who saw him as an amateur believed he'd need to overhaul his offensive game as a pro. He tinkers with his stance and right-handed stroke too much, and he'll get too long with his swing at times and too passive at others. His power stands out more than his pure hitting ability and could translate into 20 homers per season.

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 65 | Field: 70 | Overall: 55

The 2025 Draft class is deep in southern California and Corona High School has been a regular stop all spring, with three potential early-round picks on the team that won USA Baseball's National High School Invitational last year. Carlson's skills at shortstop that were on display at a variety of summer showcase events, including the Area Code Games and Major League Baseball's High School All-American Game, have continued to show up during his senior year to allow him to float up to the top of the first round.

All summer, Carlson impressed with his athleticism and bat speed from the right side of the plate. It's more of a line-drive approach at present with a good swing, but he has the chance to grow into more impact and average or better power, though not all evaluators were sold on his hit tool. There's an up arrow next to his run tool as he's worked to get faster and could be a plus runner in time. Even with all of his offensive upside, his glove might be ahead of his bat, with some scouts putting as high as a 70 on his arm strength and defensive actions at shortstop.

At one point, Carlson was thought to be a legitimate two-way player, with a fastball in the mid-90s and feel for spinning a breaking ball. But it will be his five-tool potential at a premium position that will get the Tennessee recruit selected in the top half of the first round, though his age at Draft time (19) might rule out some teams.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/04/2025	ACL White Sox activated SS Billy Carlson.
	07/23/2025	SS Billy Carlson assigned to ACL White Sox.
	07/23/2025	Chicago White Sox signed SS Billy Carlson.
	07/23/2025	SS Billy Carlson roster status changed by Chicago White Sox.
	05/23/2025	College Workout activated SS Billy Carlson.
	09/10/2024	SS Billy Carlson assigned to High School Workout.
	08/16/2024	SS Billy Carlson assigned to High School Workout.
	08/12/2024	SS Billy Carlson assigned to High School Workout.
	06/30/2024	High School Workout activated SS Billy Carlson.
	01/30/2024	SS Billy Carlson assigned to High School Workout.
	09/13/2023	SS Billy Carlson assigned to High School Workout.
	08/16/2023	SS Billy Carlson assigned to High School Workout.