It’s been tough being a Chicago White Sox fans in recent years.
But Sunday’s MLB Draft provided a sliver of hope, as Chicago selected Corona (California) shortstop Billy Carlson at No. 10 overall.
The selection wasn’t just considered a good one by ESPN, it was named one of the best picks of the draft by two different analysts.
Jesse Rogers named the Carlson pick his favorite of the night.
“I’m loving Billy Carlson to the White Sox at No. 10. Though they lost 121 games last season, Chicago couldn’t pick higher than this spot per CBA rules — but the Sox might have gotten a top-five player. Carlson’s defense will play extremely well behind a sneaky good and young pitching staff that should keep the ball on the ground in the long term.”
David Schoenfield named the selection his “biggest steal of the draft.”
“I’m going with Billy Carlson with the 10th pick — with the admitted caveat that the White Sox haven’t exactly been stellar at developing hitters. But Carlson looks like an elite defensive shortstop with plus power, and that alone can make him a valuable major leaguer. If the hit tool comes along, we’re looking at a potential star. OK, he’s Bobby Witt Jr. lite? That’s still an All-Star player.”
MLB.com gives Carlson the following grades on his tools: Hit – 50, Power – 50, Run – 55, Arm – 65, Field – 70; Overall – 55
That projection, should it all come to pass, would make him an above average hitter with both pop in his bat and the ability to steal bases while providing high-level defense at short.
That’s a big-time player – and helps explain why the Carlson pick was beloved.
