In the Rays inaugural Spring Breakout game, fans got a closer look at some of the prospects who will be critical to the organization’s future. That includes Xavier Isaac, who terrorized Twins pitching while making an impact at the plate.
Although the Rays could not hold off the Twins late rally in a 6-5 loss, Isaac was a bright spot. The talented first baseman hit two home runs and added one double to his resume. Against a talented Twins team, Isaac carried the Rays offense.
While Isaac’s performance was no surprise to the Rays, it created more excitement for his development.
“Super excited about Xavier,” said Rays senior director of player development Blake Butera, “Kid’s really special. The talent is unbelievable. His future’s going to be fun to watch.”
Entering the 2024 campaign, Isaac is ranked as the Rays No.4 prospect, according to MLB.com. That is partly due to the numbers he posted last year.
In 102 games between two levels, the former first-round pick posted a .285 batting average while driving in 72 runs. He also showed off his power with 43 extra-base hits, including 19 home runs. At times, the North Carolina native was a human highlight reel.
Although Isaac’s stellar play is something his teammates have seen up close, Trevor Martin, Isaac’s teammate in Charleston last year, was still impressed with how easy Issac makes it look.
“X is something different. He has his days, for sure, and today was one of them,” Martin told MLB.com’s Adam Berry on Saturday. “He looks so effortless out there swinging the bat. It’s all effortless.”
Just like Isaac has done in the minors, he hit everything with authority on Saturday. His second home run was off the batter’s eye and traveled 419 feet, leaving his bat at 110.4 miles per hour. As soon as he made contact, everyone in the stadium knew the ball was gone.
While Isaac has plenty of memorable moments ahead, the Spring Breakout game is something he will never forget.
“ Can’t complain. Can’t really complain at all,” Isaac told the media. “ It’s been a good day. I love it.”
Following an impressive 2023 campaign, Isaac will be one of the Rays most-watched prospects this season. He is projected to make his MLB debut in 2026 but has little left to prove in High-A after hitting .408 in 12 games last year.
If Isaac can build on his success, he should reach Double-A at some point early during the 2024 campaign. For the Rays, that would be a welcome sign, as few players in the system can provide the same type of impact offensively. That is why the Rays hold him in such high regard.
With the Spring Breakout games over, teams around the league are shifting their focus to setting final rosters before the start of the season. However, the last few days have shown what the future will hold, and with prospects like Isaac getting closer to the majors, baseball is in good hands.
