White Sox Best Trade Asset Just Got Even More Attractive

Chicago White Sox prospect Billy Carlson, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the No. 4 ranked prospect in the White Sox organization, and the No. 57 ranked prospect in baseball, had his momentum come to a screeching halt just as he was starting to find his rhythm in professional baseball.

Carlson played in 17 games during the month of May, hitting .293 with a .425 on base percentage and an .804 OPS before landing on the injured list with a fractured thumb.

An initial diagnosis projected Carlson to be out for four to six weeks. It was not a season ending injury, but it was a significant blow for the White Sox regardless. Carlson missing more than a month of game experience and at bats slowed the development of a 19-year-old who still has plenty of areas to improve upon.

Chicago's main focus has been developing Carlson's bat. The glove is as sure as it gets. Carlson was considered the best defensive player in his draft class when the White Sox selected him 10th overall. But his real upside, and the potential for Carlson to have a productive MLB career, hinges on his bat coming around and his power developing with time.

The other downside for the White Sox is tougher to admit, but just as real. Carlson could very well end up being an expendable asset at the upcoming trade deadline.

There can be no question about his upside and talent, but with the White Sox sitting on a crowded MLB infield, Caleb Bonemer becoming the No. 16 ranked prospect in the sport after reaching Double-A, and now Roch Cholowsky joining the organization ahead of Bonemer, Chicago is not exactly pressed for another shortstop.

Carlson is still a few years away from truly knocking on the door of the big leagues, but he may have far more value to another organization where infield talent is a point of weakness. Carlson being moved at the deadline, or during the ensuing offseason, is a distinct possibility.

It becomes much harder to receive good value for a prospect who is on the injured list and has lost valuable development time.

Fortunately, Carlson is back. After a brief rehab assignment in Arizona, he rejoined the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers this weekend and has looked just as sharp as he did before going down.

On Friday night, Carlson recorded three hits and three RBIs.

On Saturday night, he drew three walks, stole two bases, and scored a pair of runs.

That brings Carlson's OPS in Kannapolis this season up to .747, along with an incredible .400 on base percentage. He also has 11 stolen bases in 41 games, and the defense has been as advertised.

Billy Carlson is back on the field and continuing his offensive production. That raises his value and is an undeniably positive development for the White Sox, whether he stays with the organization long term or not.