After an electrifying high school baseball career for national powerhouse Corona (CA), shortstop Billy Carlson has been selected 10th overall by the Chicago White Sox in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Carlson helped lead Corona to a 28-3 record and CIF-Southern Section Division 1 title as a junior in 2024 and 30-3 record and finals appearance as a senior. This spring he hit .365 with career-highs in home runs (six), RBI (34), OBP (.517), slugging (.647), OPS (1.164), steals (nine), and runs scored (33).
Although his pitching days are likely over, Carlson was also a tremendous relief pitcher during his time at Corona. In three varsity seasons he recorded a 4-0 record, a 0.94 ERA, and 28 strikeouts in 29.2 innings across 22 appearances.
Carlson is considered by some to be the best defensive prospect in his entire draft class. Following the draft selection, White Sox scouting director Mike Shirley commented, "I’ll be frank, the defense at shortstop is some of the best I’ve ever seen at the amateur ranks... Has highlight-reel ability. I’m super excited about Billy Carlson and glad the White Sox got that opportunity tonight.”
MLB.com's post included the following MLB pipeline scouting grades on the 20-to-80 scale:
Hit: 50
Power: 50
Run: 55
Arm: 65
Field: 70
Overall: 55
The pick is in!
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 13, 2025
With the 10th pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the White Sox select SS Billy Carlson from Corona (CA) High School. pic.twitter.com/x16O1weLL6
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