At this time last year, Taj Bradley was at a very different place in his career. The Los Angeles native was one of the Tampa Bay Rays top prospects and had yet to make his MLB debut. Now, he has 23 appearances under his belt and a sense of what it takes to succeed at the big league level.
During his first season in the majors, Bradley posted a 5.59 ERA in 104.2 innings of work. While working primarily out of the rotation, he struck out 129 batters. Although Bradley showed some encouraging signs, he struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark.
As the Rays dealt with injuries, Bradley was called upon a little earlier than expected. Despite a few rough outings, Bradley learned a lot from last season and has arrived at Port Charlotte with a new mindset.
“I’m just more comfortable, less nervous, ” Bradley told MLB.com‘s Alex Berry on Thursday. “Especially after last year, not knowing what my progress would be like in the big leagues, but now knowing it’s not that different. Confidence is going to get me through it.”
Unlike last year, Bradley is expected to be on the Rays opening day roster. He will be part of a new look rotation that includes Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale and Zack Littell. Ryan Pepoit, who the Rays acquired in the Tyler Glasnow trade, could also be part of the mix.
While his numbers didn’t jump off the page, Bradley made a good first impression on many in the Rays organization. That includes manager Kevin Cash, who was impressed by the talented right-hander’s ability to make adjustments.
“ He did so many good things and it wasn’t like he had a full year under his belt. There was a lot of up and down. There was a lot of adjustments,” Cash told Berry on Thursday. “ We just want to see progress. I don’t think it’s fair to look at Taj and say,’ Hey, you’ve got to take this big, big jump,’ but we’re optimistic it’s in there. And he’s capable of taking a big jump.”
Now Bradley is looking to build on his success. Last year, his offspeed pitches proved to be a strength. Opponents hit .169 against his curveball. They also struggled against Bradley’s changeup which produced a 41 % whiff rate, according to MLB.com.
As opening day draws closer, Bradley’s main focus has been improving his cutter. During the 2023 campaign opponents hit .312 against it. If his work this winter can translate to the regular season then he will have three pitches to rely on.
While the former fifth-round pick has high expectations, he isn’t battling to prove he belongs this spring training. He has proven that already and taken the necessary steps to improve where needed.
Although the start of the regular season is still weeks away, Bradey’s development will be something to watch. He was one of the Rays top prospects for a reason and if he can put it all together, a breakout season could be on the horizon.
