Why Did the Rays Demote Former Top Prospect Carson Williams After 12 Games?

Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Why Did the Rays Demote Former Top Prospect Carson Williams After 12 Games?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas Covone | Last updated May 29, 2026 7:14 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Rays have chosen to send their former No. 1 prospect Carson Williams back to Triple-A Durham after a rough 12 game stretch.

The shortstop was drafted by the Rays in the first round of the 2021 MLB draft and quickly soared to the top of the organizations prospect rankings. Sitting at third in 2023, second in 2024 and first in 2025. He made his long awaited major league debut for the organization in August of the 2025 season. Williams has gold glove potential at shortstop along with excellent speed and power.

The 22-year-old blasted five home runs and stole 2 bases in 32 games last season, showing lots of promise despite a .573 OPS.

Williams made the Rays' 2026 Opening Day roster this season and was named the starting shortstop after Taylor Walls suffered a right oblique injury before the season. Williams was sent down a week later after Walls was recalled. In seven games to start the season, Williams slashed .130/.167/.174 with nine strikeouts.

The Tampa Bay Rays have made the following roster moves:

• Reinstated INF Ben Williamson (low back strain) from the 10-day IL.
• Selected RHP Andrew Wantz from Triple-A Durham. Wantz will wear No. 50.
• Optioned INF Carson Williams to Triple-A Durham.
• Designated RHP Jon…
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) May 29, 2026

Williams made his return to the big leagues on May 17th after outfielder Jake Fraley was placed on the injured list. In five games since being recalled, he went hitless in seven at bats. The former top prospect has struggled to find his groove at the plate at the major league level. He was optioned back to Triple-A in order to get more consistent playing time and work on finding his swing.

In his place, infielder Ben Williamson has been reinstated to the big league team after spending time of the 10 day injured list. The 25-year-old has performed decently in 39 games this season, holding a .688 OPS.

There is room to wonder why Tampa Bay sent down Carson Williams to make room for Williamson. Even though Williams’ early major league results have been disappointing, his ceiling and likely impact on the Rays’ future make it fair to wonder if he should already be seeing more consistent playing time.

Tampa Bay Rays pinch runner Carson Williams (7), Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Rays are having an excellent season thus far, sitting at the top of the American League East division while holding a 34-19 record. However, they have struggled in the area of power hitting. The Rays only have 43 home runs in 53 games, which ranks third worse in baseball. Keeping a young, potential power hitter in Williams up with the team could help boost the team's pop.

The Rays start a three game series against the Los Angeles Angels tonight at 7:10 P.M.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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