SLUGGING SHORTSTOP: Biscuits Williams adds name to list of high-profile players

Biscuits shortstop Carson Williams has been solid in his first full season for Montgomery. He leads the team in batting average and is second in slugging percentage. (Tim Gayle)

By TIM GAYLE

Carson Williams had a chance to sample the minor league circuit last year, spending 105 games in Single A, six with the Montgomery Biscuits and four in Triple A before returning to the Biscuits this season. 

“This game is so funny because you go up the levels and even when you get to the big leagues, it’s the same game,” he said. “It’s a new place, new fans, but it’s the same game.” 

But Williams, in addition to being one of Major League Baseball’s top prospects, is also one of its brightest students, picking up tips from those who have made the journey before him. 

The Biscuits have had their share of high-profile shortstops in recent years, including Lucius Fox and Taylor Walls in 2019, Greg Jones in 2021 and 2022 and Junior Caminero (along with Jones and Williams) in 2023. 

“I’ve gotten to know the guys who have been here before,” Williams said. “I talked to them in big-league camp this year. I got to work with Taylor a lot and Greg. I tried to pick little things from those guys. They loved this place and I’m just super excited to get going.” 

Williams, however, is a special player, one who possesses an above-average bat, great range, a strong arm and enough speed to be a base-stealing threat. There are great prospects that are considered five-tool players.

Then there’s Williams. 

“He’s a quality player,” Montgomery manager Kevin Boles said. “He’s got a lot of ability. A premium shortstop, range to both sides, arm strength with accuracy, makes the routine play. One thing I know that he’s working on (as an offensive player) is controlling the zone. Everybody wants to get down the strikeouts, but I think he’s got a chance to be a threat at the plate, too. He has a chance to be a really special player.”

He continues to show his abilities which included his fifth home run of the season in Wednesday’s 9-1 win over Pensacola. His .336 batting average ranks third in the Southern League while his .571 slugging percentage ranks second behind teammate Heriberto Hernandez (.596).

Williams is among the 25 first-round picks for the Rays over the last 20 years and while more than half have been promoted to Tampa, it’s never a sure thing.   

“I’ve been working on my mental approach toward the game a lot this offseason,” he said. “Honestly, it’s just part of my process and every day I’m getting better and working toward my dream of getting to the big leagues. 

“You don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into until you’re in the middle of it. So it’s mental reps, it’s getting older and it’s just maturing in general.”

Williams was considered by many professional scouts for his ability on the mound, possessing a fastball that hit 95 miles per hour at Torrey Pines High in San Diego. But Williams wanted to play the field for the Rays and while Tampa often moves players around to work on their versatility, they’ve left Williams alone at shortstop, thankful for his range, that great arm and a defensive ability that’s already earned him a Minor League Gold Glove Award in 2022.

How do you improve on greatness? Obviously, his bat will determine whether he’s simply the next guy to come through Double-A or an unforgettable all-star talent. After striking out in nearly a third of his at-bats in Single-A, Williams knows where every professional player must improve. 

“As you go up the levels, the stuff, metrically wise, is similar but these guys are so much better at locating pitches,” Williams said. “They throw them so much better. And if you do get a mistake? Don’t miss it because you’re probably not going to get another one.”

In March, Williams got to play in MLB’s inaugural “Spring Breakout” featuring some of baseball’s best prospects playing the top prospects from another team. For the Rays, it was an opportunity to see their best players compete against the Twins.  

“It was a good way of showcasing the players that these organizations have,” Williams said. “The Rays, we have some good ones, so they got to show their skills out there. It was really cool for guys that don’t get put in the spotlight that often to go out and showcase, ‘I’m here, I’m ready to play baseball.’ Our organization -- I don’t know everybody else’s -- but we’re in a really good spot.”

The “Spring Breakout” included six Biscuit pitchers along with catchers Dominic Keegan and Kenny Piper, third baseman Willy Vasquez, Williams and outfielder Dru Baker. With so much talent on display at spring training and now in Montgomery, Williams believes the bond built by the prospects could translate into a very successful season in Montgomery. 

“Most of the guys on this team, I’ve played with them before and coming from spring training, you’re with them so everybody knows everybody and everybody’s close,” he said. “This group is special. This group jells really well. We’ve been coming up (through the ranks) with each other since 2021, since we all got drafted. This team is going to be really good this year and I’m really excited to see what they do.”

The Biscuits’ homestand continues the rest of the weekend against the Blue Wahoos. The tradition of T-shirt giveaway continues tonight along with “Thirsty Thursday” where several beverages are half price.