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Rays top prospect excluded from Rookie of the Year conversation in early polls

ByMason Stacy|
Mar 6, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Carson Williams (80) looks on before the game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Mar 6, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Carson Williams (80) looks on before the game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The MLB Pipeline poll for the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year candidates was published and there was no clear-cut leader among the talented prospects. In fact, Red Sox outfield prospect, Roman Anthony and Tigers pitching prospect, Jackson Jobe received the exact same number of votes to lead the pack. Also included in the 2025 rookie projections are Yankees phenom Jasson Dominguez, Orioles No. 1 prospect Coby Mayo, and Red Sox utility man, Kristian Campbell.

However, Rays No. 1 prospect, Carson Williams was left out of the early rankings, despite the 21-year old's impressive defensive showing last season and probable call-up next season. On top of his amazing defense at shortstop, Williams also hit .256 with 46 extra-base hits for Double-A Montgomery. The young middle infielder will be a great addition to the lineup when he gets the call, as Rays shortstops have struggled mightily at the plate in recent years. Jose Caballero and Taylor Walls combined for a .212 AVG with only 10 home runs in 2024.

Therefore, if the Rays don't add an accomplished shortstop before spring training, it may be wise for the front office to select the contract of Carson Williams, if his growth goes according to plan. The San Diego native was also able to show his worth for Team USA in the Premier12 tournament last November. Alongside Rays speedy prospect Chandler Simpson, Williams did a great job representing not only Team USA, but the Rays organization. Both talented amateur athletes were stand-outs as Team USA took home a bronze medal.

After analyzing all of his recent accomplishments, it is a travesty that the MLB executives didn't, at least, mention Carson Williams in the Rookie of the Year conversations. Maybe we should give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they don't foresee a Williams call-up in the near future.

Nonetheless, it does get old continuously seeing the Rays underappreciated, even after an excess of success and talent. Either way, as Rays fans, we know that our prospects will be ready to make their mark in the big leagues and don't be shocked if MLB's No. 4 overall prospect becomes the fifth Rookie of the Year in Tampa Bay franchise history.

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