Billy Carlson - Prospect Profile

Kiley McDaniel - ESPN - July 8th: "Carlson has been one of the top players in the class for years and physically looks like a lesser version of Bobby Witt Jr. because of his bouncy athleticism in all phases. Carlson is in the mid-90s on the mound, has one of the best infield arms I've ever seen and projects as a plus defender at shortstop."

MLB.com - July 1st: "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."

Keith Law - The Athletic - July 1st: "He bars his lead arm and his hands are so far back that he has trouble getting the bat head to the ball on time, so the power doesn’t always play in games and he’s very vulnerable to pitchers who can change speeds on him within at-bats. He’s a wizard on defense, though, with great instincts, range in both directions, and excellent hands, along with at least a 70 arm — he’s been up to 97 off the mound, although apparently he doesn’t want to pitch, and given his defensive prowess that’s the right call."

Baseball America - June 25th: "At 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, Carlson is a lean and athletic two-way player who immediately stands out for his glovework and is regarded as one of—if not the best—defenders in the 2025 class. He has silky smooth actions in the field with clean hands, nimble footwork and a rocket of an arm that earns consistent 70-grade reviews."

Tyler Jennings - Just Baseball - March 24th: "Carlson possesses smooth, rangy actions at the “six” with bounce, soft hands, and a quick release across the infield. His arm is very stout and grades out as plus or better at the position, too, leaving little doubt that he’ll stick at the position long term."

Prep Baseball Draft HQ - March 19th: "He fits the prototypical SoCal shortstop mold perfectly, so naturally it’s pretty easy to see him becoming one of the first high school players off the board as he continues to impress onlooking evaluators while playing against some of the top competition in the nation."

Carlos Collazo - Baseball America - March 10th: "He stays at shortstop and can play the game very well in all facets. Really good arm, mid 90s on the mound, can really defend, his contact skills are pretty good, and I think he will grow into 20-homer per year power."

Keith Law - The Athletic - March 4th: "Carlson's defense at shortstop is his calling card. He has an easy plus arm and is at least a 60 defender already, with a good swing but not much impact so far at the plate."

Kiley McDaniel - ESPN - February 21st: "Carlson is old for the high school class but had a strong summer and is above average at nearly everything on the field, including pitching in the mid-90s. He's a pro shortstop who is hit-over-power at the plate."

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