With MLB rosters set to expand in September, the Tampa Bay Rays are getting a head start.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan , the Rays are promoting their top prospect, shortstop Carson Williams, to make his big-league debut on Thursday in Tampa against the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Williams is a glove-first shortstop with plus-power (23 Triple-A home runs in 2025) and a strong throwing arm. He also comes equipped with above-average speed (though not nearly as fast as teammate and Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson), making him a potential future cornerstone in Tampa, albeit one with a higher floor than ceiling.

However, for all of Williams' strengths, his profile isn't particularly well-rounded. For example, his overall hit tool grades below-average on baseball's scouting scale, meaning that power is the main driver behind his respectable Triple-A OPS of .765. Therefore, Williams' pop must translate upon his big league arrival, as must his elite glove work.

Fortunately, defense plays at any level. Power can as well, especially when playing home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field, though it's important to note that's just a temporary circumstance and Williams will need to prove his power when the Rays return to Tropicana Field in 2026, which isn't nearly as hitter-friendly.

The 22-year-old shortstop will join a young crop of Rays' position players headlined by budding star third baseman Junior Caminero. Together, Williams and Caminero have the potential to combine for over 60 home runs every season while manning the left side of Tampa's infield for years to come, a scary proposition for the rest of the American League East.