Billy Carlson, the top-ranked player in Tennessee baseball’s recruiting class, was picked in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Carlson was selected No. 10 by the Chicago White Sox on July 13. He was the second straight Tennessee signee picked. Alabama shortstop Steele Hall was picked No. 9 by the Cincinnati Reds.
The Corona High School (California) superstar is ranked the No. 3 prospect nationally and the No. 2 shortstop, according to Perfect Game. He is considered by many to be the best defensive high school shortstop in the country. MLB.com tabbed him the No. 7 prospect in the draft.
Carlson flipped his commitment to Tennessee from Vanderbilt in October. His recruitment shifted when Vanderbilt’s staff changed. The Vols got involved in Carlson’s recruitment after coach Tim Corbin fired two assistants, including hitting coach Mike Baxter. Carlson looked at other options and chose Tennessee.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Carlson took an official visit to Tennessee in mid-October when the Vols faced Florida in football.
This story will be updated.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.