In five days, baseball’s next generation of stars will take center stage in the spring breakout games. Starting on March 14, MLB is holding a four-day, 16-game prospect showcase. For the Tampa Bay Rays, it will provide a preview of the future.
While the Rays roster features prospects from every level, there will be a few players in particular to keep an eye on. That includes Carson Williams, Dominic Keagen, Brayden Tayor, Xavier Isaac, and Adrian Santana. Williams, who finished the 2023 campaign in Double-A is the closest in the group to being major league-ready.
Fans will also see Chandler Simpson, who has caused chaos on the basepaths in the minors, in action. In 115 games last season, the 23-year-old posted a .293 batting average and stole 94 bases. Since making his pro debut in 2022, he has stolen 102 bases.
While speed has been his primary weapon, Simpson’s focus has always been to get on base.
“ Just keeping the same mindset, staying in my game and being true to myself, knowing that I’m a contact, get on-base, tough-to-strike-out,tough-out guy,” Simpson told MLB.com’s Adam Berry. “ I’ve always been that way. I feel like I can’t do anything if I don’t put the ball in play. Anything can happen when you put the ball in play.
As Sampson looks to showcase his speed, one player to watch on the mound is Trevor Martin. He is one of the organization’s most promising pitchers and is ranked as the team’s No.20 prospect by MLB.com.
The talented right-hander was selected by the Rays in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft. In 26 games, Martin has posted a 3.49 ERA and struck out 133 batters. In that span, he has held opponents to a .227 batting average. He finished the 2023 campaign in Low-A.
Even if Sampson and Martin get limited action, there will still be plenty to watch for. The Rays roster features 13 prospects from the team’s top 30 prospect list. Plenty of prospects that are not currently ranked will also get some exposure. That list includes Keyshawn Askew, Austin Vernon, Dru Baker, and Shane Sasaki.
ans will also get to see some of the Twins most talented prospects in action. That list includes Walker Jenkins, Brooks Lee, David Festa, Marco Raya, and Jose Salas. The Twins roster features 19 prospects from the team’s top 30 prospect list.
Although many of the prospects involved are still years away from the majors, these games will be an excellent opportunity for prospects to showcase their talent.
