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Rays' No. 1 prospect wins Minor League Defensive Player of the Year award

By Mason Stacy |
Mar 12, 2024; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Carson Williams (80) talks with manager Kevin Cash (16) before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Mar 12, 2024; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Carson Williams (80) talks with manager Kevin Cash (16) before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

This was certainly an impressive addition to the young phenom's resume, especially as a member of the defense-conscious Rays' organization. Tampa Bay's front office tends to be attracted to athletic shortstops and players that excel on the defensive end of the ball. Carson Williams has shown both of those characteristics in his time with the Rays' farm system as he was awarded Defensive Player of the Year honors for the 2024 season.

Williams was drafted by the Rays in the first round of the 2021 MLB draft. The Rays knew they were getting a special player as he completed his senior year at Torrey Pines high school with a .495 AVG and 11 HRs. The San Diego native was committed to the University of California Berkeley, but he decided to sign with the Rays instead after they picked him with the 28th overall selection.

Tampa Bay Rays v Minnesota Twins
Tampa Bay Rays v Minnesota Twins / Brace Hemmelgarn/GettyImages

One key factor to Carson Williams' game that stuck out to the Rays was that he threw 97 mph off of the mound in high school. The talented athlete was capable of producing next level arm strength at a very young age. This ability has greatly benefited him throughout his short minor league career. We believe that his stint in the minors may not continue much longer as the star shortstop will likely join the big league clubhouse in the next few seasons.

In his 2022 campaign with the Charleston Stone Crabs, Williams earned his first career Gold Glove award. This would be merely a start for the defensive wizard as he's improved his fielding each season since he was signed by the Rays as an 18-year old. The Rays are ecstatic to see his growth as they plan on assigning him as the Rays' shortstop of the future. Rays' fans should also be super excited for the potential from this top prospect. The young talent that the Rays will assemble in a few years could be dangerous with players like Junior Caminero, Curtis Mead, Xavier Isaac, and Tre' Morgan.

Carson Williams has also been very proficient with his bat in recent years. In 115 games last year, Williams registered a .256 AVG with 20 HRs and 33 SBs. This 20-20 campaign potential, in addition to his skillful glove work, could make him a very successful major leaguer.

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