The Rays introduced that they’ve chosen the contract of outfielder Chandler Simpson. Outfielder Richie Palacios is heading again to the injured listing with a proper knee sprain. Proper-hander Alex Faedo has been transferred to the 60-day IL because the corresponding transfer to get Simpson onto the 40-man. Faedo began the season on the 15-day IL as a consequence of shoulder irritation. His present standing is unclear however he’s now ineligible to return till late Might on the earliest. Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Instances reported the moves earlier than the official announcement.
Simpson, 24, is among the most fascinating prospects in baseball on account of his base-stealing acumen. The Rays drafted him with the seventieth general decide in 2022, a Aggressive Stability Spherical B choice. In his first full skilled season in 2023, he stole 81 bases in 93 makes an attempt, showing in simply 91 video games. Final yr, he obtained into 110 minor league video games and swiped 104 luggage in 121 makes an attempt. He’s 8 for 11 thus far right here in 2025.
His work on the plate has been competent sufficient, in a powerless form of means. He has 1,120 minor league plate appearances so far throughout varied ranges. He has only one house run, which was of the inside-the-park selection. However has walked greater than he has struck out, a 9.6% charge of free passes in comparison with an 8.8% charge of punchouts. That has helped him produce a bizarrely degree slash line of .324/.389/.371. That interprets to a 123 wRC+, indicating he’s been 23% above league common general.
It’s a really intriguing mixture. Many latest velocity specialists have had their manufacturing undercut by an incapability to place the bat on the ball and/or get on base. Billy Hamilton spent a few years as baseball’s quickest man, however he hit simply .239/.292/.325 in his large league profession. Whereas he was a great guess for 50-plus steals yearly and a few highlight-reel catches, the dearth of offense made him tough to roster. Guys like Juan Pierre, Rajai Davis and Dee Strange-Gordon had been considerably comparable, swiping a whole lot of baggage however with subpar hitting.
If Simpson can get on base a bit greater than guys in that group, maybe he could be a bit extra of a distinction maker. Although even when not, a participant with elite velocity and may nonetheless be a lot priceless on the basepaths and within the outfield.
Prospect evaluators are a bit break up on what sort of large league influence Simpson could make. FanGraphs is one outlet that’s particularly bullish, as they ranked him the No. 72 prospect in all of baseball heading into this season. They famous that his contact potential is nearly on the degree of fellows like Luis Arráez and Steven Kwan, although a smidge beneath. Nonetheless, additionally they warning that speed-and-defense gamers like Myles Straw and Nick Madrigal supply a form of cautionary story of how issues might go mistaken for Simpson with little offensive influence.
The report from FanGraphs additionally provides that the protection is a piece in progress. Simpson was a second baseman in faculty and continues to be getting used to the outfield. They be aware that his routes aren’t at all times nice however his velocity provides him a number of room for error. If he can proceed to develop his routes, there’s an amazing ceiling there.
ESPN gave Simpson the #91 spot heading into the season however Simpson didn’t crack the highest 100 with Baseball America, MLB Pipeline or Keith Legislation of The Athletic. BA ranked him #8 within the Rays’ system coming into the yr, seemingly with a bit extra concern concerning the protection and lack of energy.
The divisive scouting reviews imply that the prospect promotion incentive just isn’t at play right here. To be PPI eligible, a participant have to be on two of the BA/ESPN/MLB Pipeline lists and Simpson solely cracked one. It’s too late within the season now for Simpson to get a full yr of service time. Even when he’s up for good, he gained’t be capable to qualify without spending a dime company till after 2031, although he has an opportunity to succeed in arbitration after 2027 as a Tremendous Two participant.
The Rays have three outfielders on the IL in Palacios, Jonny DeLuca and Josh Lowe. Their outfield enjoying time has been going to Kameron Misner, Christopher Morel, Jake Mangum and José Caballero these days. Simpson will slot into that group and take a look at his mettle towards large league pitching.
