Carson Williams Named Rays' Starting Shortstop

0:00It's March 24th, this is MLB News today, AI-powered stories shaping the season. The Tampa Bay Rays have named their top prospect, shortstop Carson Williams, as the starting shortstop on the opening day roster for the 20, 26 season. The 22-year-old, ranked number 63 overall by MLB Pipeline, earned the spot after Taylor Walls suffered an oblique injury last week. Williams was a team's first round pick in 2021 and got his first real taste of the majors last year. In 32 games, he hit just 172, with five home runs, which led many to think he'd start the new year in the minors. That changed quickly with Walls' injury, giving Williams another chance to prove himself. He's known as a strong defender like Walls, and in AAA last year, he sluged 23 home runs and stole 22 bases despite a two, 13 average. This spring, Williams showed promise with 10 hits in 33 ad bats, which could carry over if he handles big league pitching better.

1:01The Rays will give him some runway while Walls recovers, but they need offensive production to keep him there long term. If Williams grabs the job and performs, he could lock down shortstop for years ahead in Tampa Bay.