Chicago White Sox select Tennessee SS commit Billy Carlson in 2025 MLB Draft

Tennessee shortstop commit Billy Carlson has heard his name called during the 2025 MLB Draft. He was selected No. 10 overall to the Chicago White Sox.

Carlson is one of three players from the Corona (CA) High School baseball team expected to be selected during the 2025 MLB Draft, including infielder Brady Ebel and pitcher Seth Hernandez. They are just three members of the deep draft class coming out of southern California this cycle.

Perfect Game rates Carlson as the No. 3 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, and No. 2 shortstop stating that he has “elite” arm strength and agility at the shortstop position. All signs point toward him being one of the brightest starts from the 2025 high school class.

“All summer, Carlson impressed with his athleticism and bat speed from the right side of the plate,” his MLB scouting report reads. “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.”

Before committing to the shortstop position, Carlson proved his worth on the mound as a pitcher. He even features a mid-90s fastball and was known to have some spin on his breaking ball. His scouting report says he has “five-tool potential” at the shortstop position, however, his age at the time of the draft (19) was a concern coming in.

Of course, Carlson has the option to play for Tony Vitello and the Tennessee Volunteers if he doesn’t sign his rookie deal. Two years removed from a national championship, there may not be a better place for Carlson to develop on his way to chasing his major league dream.

His ultimate decision remains to be seen. For now, he’s an MLB draftee — a feather in the cap for the budding star.