What to Expect from Rays Shortstop Carson Williams

Getting back to the bat, Williams showcased a power-based approach past that 2022 season. The now-22-year-old hit 20+ home runs in each of his last three seasons, including 2025. Williams blasted 23 home runs over 111 games, which put him tied for third with Jose Rojas (Yankees) and Samuel Basallo (Orioles) for third in the International League.

He’s also the only Triple-A player as of August 21 to have a 20-20 season thus far.

However, there are concerns regarding the 22-year-old’s hit tool.

Through those 111 games, Williams slashed .213/.318/.447 (.765 OPS) with 154 strikeouts. He had the third-highest strikeout percentage in the International League (34.1%), behind Bobby Dalbec (Royals) and Milan Tolentino (Guardians).

As far as where he’s been missing, it’s a mix.

Williams whiffed on fastballs at a rate of 33.2% this season. For sliders, it’s 41.7%. And on changeups/splitters, the whiff% is 48.6%. Hence, why his whiff map looks like it does below.

The 22-year-old will expand the zone (30.2%). However, the concentration of misses in the zone is a concern.

ESPN first reported that Carson Williams will be joining the Rays’ MLB roster.

Analysis

As noted several times over the last few days on the site, the promotion of Williams — yet another top prospect to head to the Majors before September — comes at a strategic time. Williams can’t exhaust his rookie status before the end of the season and, with a few weeks left in the year, can solidify a case for 2026.

Plus, he would have been Rule 5-eligible had he not been placed on the 40-man roster this coming fall.

Williams’ promotion comes at a time when Taylor Walls, the team’s regular shortstop for much of 2025, is currently on the IL. Walls has never been a strong hitter; he works counts but is a below-average power hitter and possesses a career SLG of .298.

Ha-Seong Kim, on a two-year deal (opt-out after 2025), dealt with injuries all year long. He’s headed back to the IL. And, ex-Rays utilityman Jose Caballero was shipped out to The Bronx last month.

The deck is somewhat clear for Williams to make his case to be on the Rays’ 2026 Opening Day roster. From a tools standpoint, he has the potential to be a strong everyday player. But, will his flaws limit him? Time will tell.