MLB Draft Prospect Profile: Billy Carlson Has Similarities to Pirates ’24 First-Rounder

This is one in a series of breakdowns of the top prospects available in the 2025 MLB Draft.

The Pittsburgh Pirates dipped into the high school ranks in the first round of the 2024 draft, when they selected Konnor Griffin with the ninth pick. So far, that choice looks like a great decision.

The top of the 2025 draft class is loaded with high school shortstops, and Billy Carlson is among the best of the best.

Carlson, who was teammates with Seth Hernandez at Corona High School in California, is toolsy and has all the makings of an eventual big-league shortstop.

There are some parallels with Griffin from last year. Carlson is an elite defender with a plus arm and good speed. Just like with Griffin, there are some concerns with the hit tool, and last year’s first-rounder definitely had more power and the same stage, but there is still a lot to like about Carlson.

The phrase “five tool potential” is often used to describe Carlson. His glove is already advanced for a high school player, and he has the arm to play shortstop. He’s very athletic and at least an above-average runner.

🏖️SoCal shortstops are my favorite.🏖️

Hands down.

‘25 Billy Carlson (CA) is as good as I’ve seen since Brice Turang.

Fluid actions w/ easy +arm. A wizard w/ the glove. Makes it look easy & COMPETES

Pregame look doesn’t do the in-game performance justice…Special talent.… pic.twitter.com/IPvEgy3ahp

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) March 27, 2025

Though his bat isn’t as advanced as his glove, there’s certainly potential offensively, and Carlson had a strong senior year of high school.

Carlson hit .365 with a .517 on-base percentage and a 1.164 OPS in 31 games. He hit six home runs, collected 34 RBI and went a perfect 9 for 9 in stolen base attempts.

Draft Spotlight: Billy Carlson, SS, @CoronaPBaseball

Carlson is easily a plus-defender w/ a ton of athleticism & twitch. Not to mention, top of the class traits in the box. Currently no. 4 on the PG Draft Board. #GoVols commit.@California_PG @PG_Scouting #PGDraft pic.twitter.com/gotVBneLc9

— Perfect Game Draft (@PG_Draft) May 8, 2025

The knock on Carlson, who is committed to play for the University of Tennessee, is that he’s older than most highschoolers. He’ll turn 19 later this month which could be a red flag for some teams.

But the age difference shouldn’t make that much of a difference if the Pirates deem him as the best player available. He’s someone they are seriously interested in.