MLB Draft 2021: Dodgers projected to pick SS Carson Williams in first round

We are less than seven weeks away from the 2021 MLB Draft, so let’s take a look at some players who might be available when the Dodgers pick at No. 29 in the first round.

In Baseball America’s latest mock draft — their fourth iteration — Carlos Collazo projects the Dodgers to pick Carson Williams, a prep shortstop out of Torrey Pines High School in San Diego.

“Williams has been getting a lot of helium of late as an athletic shortstop with above-average power potential and a fastball up to 95 on the mound,” wrote Collazo, who also noted that because the Dodgers forfeited their second-round pick for signing Trevor Bauer, Williams likely wouldn’t be available by the time Los Angeles makes its second pitch.

From MLB.com’s scouting report of Williams:

Williams is fairly polished for a high schooler in all facets of the game. He’s hit over power now and while some scouts have voiced concerns about his lack of success against premium pitching, he does have offensive upside with good bat speed and some natural loft to his swing. He’s going to add strength to his 6-foot-2 frame and grow into more extra-base authority in the future.

The 6’2 Williams has a college commitment to Cal.

Only one of the 11 players drafted out of Torrey Pines High School opted to forgo college. That was Orioles right-hander Luc Rennie, who was picked in the 16th round in 2012. Now 27, Rennie is in Double-A Binghamton in the Mets system.