Every year the DRaysBay community comes together to vote for the top prospects in the Tampa Bay system. Below are the results from this off-season’s polls.

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2024 DRaysBay Community Prospect List

1. Junior Caminero, 3B
20 | BT: R/R | 5’ 11” | 157
A+ | .356/.409/.685 (1.094 OPS, 190 wRC+) 159 PA, 11 HR, 2 SB
AA | .309/.373/.548 (.921 OPS, 140 wRC+) 351 PA, 20 HR, 3 SB
MLB | .235/.278/.353 (.631 OPS, 77 wRC+) 36 PA, 1 HR, 0 SB

Fast forward a few weeks into 2024 and Caminero might be considered the top prospect in baseball. His cup of coffee in 2023 at 19-years old was a well earned (if not surprising) move as the Rays tried to fill the void at short stop, even though he’s not expected to play that position long term. Caminero has 80-grade power, exceptional bat speed, and surprised some evaluators with his above average hit tool. He has the makings of Tampa Bay’s third baseman of the future, and an All-Star if everything comes together at the plate.

2. Carson Williams, SS
20 | BT: R/R | 6’ 2” | 180
A+-AA-AAA | .258/.356/.497 (.853 OPS, 131 wRC+ in A+) 503 PA, 23 HR, 20 SB
AFL | .246/.366/.275 (.641 OPS) 82 PA, 0 HR, 5 SB

The Rays first round draft pick from 2021 can be summed up in six words: Power hitting every day short stop. Williams put up 19 homeruns in Class-A in 2022 and 23 homeruns in High-A in 2023, but that power came at the cost of a 32% strikeout rate in both seasons, which have some evaluators concerned with his hit tool. Then again, it’s a good thing premium short stops don’t necessarily need to hit for average to succeed. After getting cups of coffee at Double-a (6 G, 26 PA) and Triple-A (4 G, 15 PA), Williams starts this year in Montgomery, where a full season of more challenging breaking balls should let us know how legit the bat will be.

3. Shane Baz, RHP
24 | 6’ 2” | 190
2023 DNP | Tommy John Surgery
2021-2022 MLB | 4.02 ERA, 40.1 IP (9 GS) 28.9 K%, 7.2 BB%

Tampa Bay’s top pitching prospect arguably could be left off prospect lists this offseason, but we prescribe to Baseball America’s eligibility, which differs from whether rookie eligibility has been exceeded. To date, thanks to recovery from Tommy John surgery while on the major league roster, Baz has two years and 14 days of service time, which means he’ll be arbitration eligible in 2025 and a free agent in 2028. The 24-year old may be able to join the major league starters in work outs at the start of Spring Training, but is expected to be on pitch counts and limits that will slot him for the Triple-A rotation to start the year. Prior to his surgery, Baz had an elite fastball, a plus slider, and a decent change up.

4. Xavier Isaac, 1B
20 | BT: L/L | 6’ 4” | 240
A-A+ | .285/.395/.521 (.916 OPS, 138 wRC+ in A) 433 PA, 19 HR, 12 SB

The Rays surprised many when they drafted X-man, but now it’s Isaac who is surprising the baseball world. High school first basemen rarely go in the first round like Isaac did in 2022, and even more rarely make the jump into Top 100 lists, but here we are. In his limited experience, Isaac is showing to have a major league projection in hitting and fielding, and has plenty of power developing. MLB Pipeline has Isaac ranked the top first base prospect in baseball.

5. Curtis Mead, 3B
23 | BT: R/R | 6’ 2” | 171
AAA | .294/.385/.515 (.900 OPS, 123 wRC+) 278 PA, 9 HR, 4 SB
MLB | .253/.326/.349 (.675 OPS, 95 wRC+) 92 PA, 1 HR, 0 SB

Mead has nothing left to prove in the minors, even though injuries and a careful approach at the plate have made his major league appearances thus far somewhat muted. The Australian punished pitches in the zone, and has a plus hit tool that should make him a solid major league contributor. Defensively his best home is second base due to some limitations with his arm, but he can fake it on the left side of the infield with the best of ‘em.

6. Brayden Taylor, 3B
21 | BT: L/R | 6’ 0” | 180
RK-A | .242/.361/.517 (.878 OPS, 141 wRC+ in A) 108 PA, 5 HR, 11 SB

Taylor has the makings of a major league regular at second or third base, with a consistent hit tool to all fields (despite a pull happy swing) that should carry him to the majors with ease. He signed for $3.9 million after being selected in the first round of the 2023 draft, and evaluators are interested to see how much power he will add as a professional, and if he’ll maintain his defensive range as he matures. In the meantime, his plus arm gives him a third base projection.

7. Yoniel Curet, RHP
21 | 6’ 2” | 190
A | 2.46 ERA, 80.1 IP (20 G, 17 GS) 34.4 K%, 16.7 BB%
A+ | 4.56 ERA, 23.2 IP (6 G, 5 GS) 30.3 K%, 17.4 BB%

Added to the 40-man roster this off-season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, the 2019 international signee Curet (pronounced coo-rhett, with a rolled-R) is a hard throwing righty with enough stuff to give a front of the rotation projection. His fastball already hits 98 and has added carry as Curet has added weight, and his hard slider is considered major league. He’ll need a third pitch that’s not a varied fastball grip, and a bit more control to meet expectations, but he’s objectively the best arm in the system with rookie eligibility.

8. Jonny DeLuca, OF
25 | BT: R/R | 5’ 11” | 196
AA | .279/.380/.590 (.970 OPS, 150 wRC+) 142 PA, 10 HR, 9 SB
AAA | .306/.397/.548 (.945 OPS, 125 wRC+) 184 PA, 7 HR, 3 SB
MLB | .262/.311/.429 (.740 OPS, 102 wRC+) 45 PA, 2 HR, 1 SB

Acquired from the Dodgers as the heir apparent to Manuel Margot’s roster spot, the athletic outfielder had a somewhat unexpected and rapid ascent over the past two years through the Dodgers system after signing as a $300k 25th rounder in 2019. He has an all-out swing that will remind attentive Rays fans of Jordan Luplow, but with an advantageous penchant to pull the ball with regularity. Also, don’t let the count of SB’s fool you, he has top of the charts speed. Expect to see DeLuca on the Opening Day roster.

9. Dominic Keegan, C
23 | BT: R/R | 6’ 0” | 210
A | .315/.402/.475 (.877 OPS, 146 wRC+) 241 PA, 5 HR, 2 SB
A+ | .254/.367/.457 (.824 OPS, 126 wRC+) 207 PA, 8 HR, 0 SB
AFL | .315/.403/.475 (1.031 OPS) 65 PA, 3 HR, 0 SB

A four-year first baseman at Vanderbilt, Keegan is relatively new to catching, but he’s proved to be adept at receiving and has a hit tool with a major league projection, making him a rising star in the Rays system. He also knows how to take a walk, and has a chance to continue to add power. The Rays have not moved Keegan aggressively, despite his advanced hitting, sending him to both Low- and High-A in 2023, and rounding out the year with a trip to the Arizona Fall League — where scouts liked his ever improving defense, even though he only threw out 5 of 40 runners attempting a stolen base. At worst he currently projects as a bench backstop, but has a chance to blossom into a primary catcher as his defense and power continue to develop.

10. Santiago Suarez, RHP
19 | 6’ 2” | 175
RK-A | 1.52 ERA, 59.1 IP (15 G, 8 GS) 22.4 K%, 4.7 BB%

A rare 18-year old with major league projection, Suarez was the key return from the Marlins in the Xavier Edwards trade while he was a 17-year old in the DSL, making his acquisition a big win for Tampa Bay’s scouting department. After finding the complex league a breeze in 2023 (1.13 ERA, 39.2 IP), Suarez was promoted to the Class-A Charleston rotation for their playoff run (2.29 ERA, 5 starts). He has a solid frame, repeatable delivery, a curveball that already projects as major league, and plus control. He has the time to develop the rest of his repertoire, but there is also quite a bit of time before we’ll know if he’s destined for the Rays rotation.

11. Colton Ledbetter, OF
22 | BT: L/R | 6’ 1” | 205
Rk-A | .274/.377/.438 (.815 OPS, 117 wRC+ in A) 86 PA, 2 HR, 3 SB

Considered a top prospect in the 2023 draft, Ledbetter fell to round two unexpectedly and the Rays scooped him up at 55th overall. A five-tool prospect with the instincts and range for center field, Ledbetter made contact in the style of Yandy Diaz in his first foray as a pro, meaning he has yet to find much loft in his power stroke now that he’s traded in his metal bat for a wooden one, despite consistent hard contact and full plate coverage with his swing. Even if that never changes, it’s a high floor profile with a safer major league projection than most prospects in the system.

12. Austin Shenton, 1B
26 | BT: L/R | 6’ 0” | 195
AA | .307/.415/.567 (.982 OPS, 157 wRC+) 306 PA, 15 HR, 0 SB
AAA | .301/.432/.603 (1.035 OPS, 158 wRC+) 271 PA, 14 HR, 0 SB

Acquired for Diego Castillo mid-2021 amidst a breakout 144 wRC+ performance in Double-A, Shenton’s bat when missing in action after his arrival to the Rays system for the rest of that season and for all of 2022 due to a hip injury that limited him to 52 games, but it came back with a vengeance in 2023. He has the look of a major league regular in a DH role if the hit tool proves true. Added to the 40-man roster this offseason, expect to see the the Rays test his left handed power stroke at the major league level in 2024.

13. Mason Montgomery, LHP
23 | 6’ 2” | 195
AA | 4.18 ERA, 107.2 IP (25 GS) 28.0 K%, 10.5 BB%
AAA | 2.70 ERA, 16.2 IP (4 GS) 18.8 K%, 15.9 BB%

A sixth rounder from 2021, Montgomery is a favorite over at Baseball Prospectus, ranking in the Rays organization’s top-five last year and in their Top-100 at No. 84. This season he lost some helium, especially after a few ugly starts in the second half kept him from getting his ERA under control in Montgomery, and then after only two runs allowed over three starts (16 innings) for Durham, he didn’t make it out of the first inning in his last start of the season on Sept 24. Montgomery has a lot of deception in his delivery, but it’s not one you’d want kids to emulate. He fastball has carry, as you’d expect, and his change up is a decent weapon. He works with a slider for same handed match ups, and it’s enough to project a back of the rotation role, assuming his arm stays attached to his body. Montgomery broke down his arsenal in conversation a David Laurila interview last year.

14. Osleivis Basabe, SS
23 | BT: R/R | 6’ 1” | 165
AAA | .296/.351/.426 (.777 OPS, 95 wRC+) 426 PA, 4 HR, 16 SB
MLB | .218/.277/.310 (.587 OPS, 67 wRC+) 94 PA, 1 HR, 0 SB

La Pantera Negra emerged as the answer at short stop after the loss of Taylor Walls to injury and Wander Franco to administrative leave last season. His promotion got the Rays over the line and into the playoffs but was probably sooner than warranted. He’s reliable at a difficult position and should hit for average if given a lengthier opportunity, but may not project as a regular. That might be for the best, as Basabe’s profile may be better utilized in a utility role, given the Rays depth in the infield, but he has the upside of a starter at short. With the recently acquired José Caballero on the roster, he’ll likely be heading back to Triple-A to start the season.

15. Chandler Simpson, OF
23 | BT: L/R | 5’ 11” | 170
A | .285/.358/.333 (.691 OPS, 103 wRC+) 397 PA, 0 HR, 81 SB
A+ | .326/.429/.393 (.822 OPS, 135 wRC+) 106 PA, 0 HR, 13 SB

Yes, you read that right. 94 steals, it’s 80 grade speed. Back in 2021, he also set the record wood bat Northwoods League record with 55 bags in 51 games as a second baseman. The Rays then drafted him in the Comp-B round and moved him to the outfield, where his elite speed might offer promise in center field. His slap happy approach at the plate combined with a lack of K’s give his hitting better projection than might be expected from an otherwise zero-power profile. Since the start of the 2022 season, Simpson has the 5th lowest whiff% in the minor leagues, resulting in 54 walks to his 44 strikeouts in 2023.

16. Adrian Santana, SS
18 | BT: S/R | 5’ 11” | 155
Rk | .205/.340/.256 (.597 OPS, 73 wRC+) 47 PA, 0 HR, 3 SB

Don’t let the stats above fool you, even though his bat will likely lag behind the rest of his game throughout his development. The (currently) switch-hitting Santana is a high school 2023 draft pick that was given 10 games in the Complex League to get a taste of professional life, and should slot into SS for Class-A in 2024, where his glove and speed are expected to draw rave reviews. Baseball Prospectus ranked Santana sixth in the system for his “double plus” defense, projecting him as an above average regular at short.

17. Mason Auer, OF
23 | BT: R/R |6’ 1” | 210
AA | .205/.292/.348 (.640, 72 wRC+) 511 PA, 11 HR, 47 SB

Auer is the textbook case of why you usually wait until a player reaches Double-A to evaluate their hit tool with any level of certainty. After boasting wRC+ in the 130’s across Class and High-A last season, the Rays aggressively moved the 2021 5th rounder up yet again, and the results were uninspiring at the plate. Auer tried changing his swing mid-season to be more open, upright, and farther back in the box, so we’ll see how that plays out on offense this year. Notably, Baseball America reports that, “Defensively, Auer is a big league-ready, plus-plus center fielder with a plus-plus arm.“ Big praise for a 22-year old.

18. Jose Urbina, RHP
18 | 6’ 3” | 180
Rk | 5.32 ERA, 23.2 IP (11 G, 8 GS) 21 K, 12 BB

As a seventeen-year old out of Venezuela nearing 98 mph with his fastball, Urbina was signed for $210k and moved to the US without much pomp and circumstance despite skipping the DSL. His bulked up shoulders belong more on a swimmer than a pitcher, but it’s a good body. The delivery has hints of high effort red flags, but that’s to be expected for his age and velocity. Despite his youth, the fastball should play at every level. His best pitch, the breaking ball, shows major league potential in any part of the zone, and he’s shown feel for a change. If he were a high schooler, you might not blush if Urbina was considered a first round talent. (video)

19. Brailer Guerrero, OF
17 | BT: L/R | 6’ 1” | 215
DSL | .261/.379/.391 (.770 OPS, 110 wRC+) 29 PA, 0 HR, 0 SB

Tampa Bay paid $3.7 million to land this prospect in January 2023, and just 7 games into his career he needed shoulder surgery. The logline on Guerrero is an exit velocity in the 110’s despite being just 17 years old, but he’s not just free swinging; there appears to be a solid approach at the plate. He’s already listed at 6’1” and 215 lbs, so there’s some concern his longterm future is at first base, but until then he has the arm to pile up outfield assists from a corner, assuming he returns to playing ball right as rain.

20. Tre’ Morgan, 1B
21 | BT: L/L | 6’ 0” | 215
Rk-A | .396/.482/.542 (1.024 OPS, 182 wRC+ in A) 56 PA, 1 HR, 4 SB

Three-year LSU first baseman Morgan was taken by the Rays in the third round of 2023 after winning the CWS, marking what looks like a great draft class on offense for Tampa Bay. He’s a strong defender at first baseman who can hit and hit consistently, even if it’s without commanding power thus far. If his swing follows his physical maturity, he could show 15 HR pop in an outfield role, but following his current trajectory as a slap hitting 1B with an elite glove, it sure sounds like a Rays first baseman.

21. Ian Seymour, LHP
25 | 6’0” | 210
Rk | 1.35 ERA, 6.2 IP (4 GS) 11 K, 4 BB
A | 1.64 ERA, 22.0 IP (6 GS) 22 K, 5 BB
A+ | 2.08 ERA, 8.2 IP (2 GS) 9 K, 5 BB
AA | 0.00 ERA, 4.2 IP (1 GS) 4 K, 2 BB

Seymour returned from Tommy John surgery on June 29, and got a slow start with a Complex and Low-A placement at couple-inning stints, but the Rays strategy proved successful. He was able to string together 13 starts across four levels, and locked it down each step of the way. If you remove his injured 2022, Seymour has a career 1.76 ERA. Like fellow org. southpaw Mason Montgomery, he’s a deception-lefty with a violent arm action, but unlike Montgomery he trades the plus slider for a plus change up with 10 mph separation. The over the top delivery has an awful head jerk (video), and accordingly gives the traditional mind a reliever projection, but if it works it works?

22. Joe Rock, LHP
23 | 6’6” | 200
AA | 4.50 ERA, 90.0 IP (19 GS) 27.3 K%, 8.1 BB%
AAA | 3 ER, 2.2 IP (1 GS) 4 K, 2 BB

As a cold weather, late bloomer at Ohio University (with a no-hitter on his resume) Rock was drafted 68th overall by the Rockies in 2021, and traded to the Rays this off-season for former first rounder SS/OF Greg Jones. Rock has the look of a starting pitcher, with a good body and fluid delivery, and solid extension thanks to his 6’6” build, although there are some quirks. He throws from a low-slot that gives shades of Chris Sale, but with a high elbow in the wind up that could spell trouble for his arm health. There’s some deception to his delivery, but it’s not something relied upon, as his slider and change up can do the work. In shorter stints his fastball is up to 96, and the look is unique for hitters to face, so it’s easy to see a major league projection here.

23. Trevor Martin, RHP
23 | 6’ 5” | 238
A | 3.52 ERA, 110.0 IP (25 G, 22 GS) 28.7% K, 9.0% BB

2022 third round selection Trevor Martin was drafted with the profile of a high octane reliever, with a fastball up to 98 for Oklahoma State. He made only seven starts across his two seasons prior to draft eligibility, but showed up at the right time in the playoffs to turn heads with 16 K’s in 6.2 IP before the Rays selected him 104th overall. His emergence as a starter was a mild surprise, but the big bodied, 6’5” starter was up for task, becoming the first qualified Charleston pitcher to lead the team in ERA, strikeouts and wins since 2017. Tampa Bay clearly believes in him, giving him a start in the first week of Spring Training this year, where he struck out Cedric Mullins on three pitches (two swinging).

24. Dru Baker, OF
24 | BT: R/R | 5’ 11” | 205
A+ | .307/.396/.491 (.887 OPS, 144 wRC+) 377 PA, 13 HR, 38 SB
AA | .287/.346/.417 (.763 OPS, 105 wRC+) 127 PA, 1 HR, 11 SB

Back to back seasons the Rays promoted 2021 4th rounder Baker mid-season after he dominated his level, and both times he turned in a league average performance at the next level. From a tools perspective, he’s a right handed Colton Ledbetter that trades exit velo for more stole bases. His defense has projection in center, but he needs to keep the strikeouts down as he continues to climb the ladder. His easiest path to the majors is in a bench role.

25. Cole Wilcox, RHP
23 | 6’ 6” I 200
AA | 5.23 ERA, 106.2 IP (25 GS) 21.8% K, 9.7% BB

Wilcox’s first full season following Tommy John surgery in 2021 was muted, with his strikeouts lacking the expected mid-30’s rate. Perhaps that’s because his previous high-octane fastball that earned first round money from the Padres, before they sent him to the Rays in the Snell trade, barely scratches 94 these days. Good pitchers adjust, and the new version of Wilcox was working on a groundballer’s sinker/slider approach in 2023. He’s got a starter’s frame and the breaking ball plays, but it’s an open question as to whether it’s still a major league profile or just a projection of his pedigree.

26. Marcus Johnson, RHP
23 | 6’ 6” / 200
A | 3.74 ERA, 130.0 IP (26 G, 24 GS) 21.3% K, 3.8% BB

The Rays acquired Johnson shortly after he was drafted 112th overall by the Marlins in 2022 in a trade deadline deal that cleared 40-man roster space by sending Xavier Edwards to Miami. He was a projectable, 6’6” starter in the draft but had a short stride in his delivery that didn’t seem to take full advantage of his size. In reviewing tape from 2023, I’m not sure the Rays have changed much about his delivery (it’s possible he’s releasing closer to the plate, but the stride seems unchanged); the results came anyway, thanks to a quality breaking ball and change up that plays. He’s got low mileage on his arm, having been a starter only one season for Duke, and won’t add many miles this season either after requiring surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow this Spring.

27. Jacob Lopez, LHP
26 | 6’ 4” | 220
AA | 2.57 ERA, 28.0 IP (8 G, 6 GS) 45 K, 9 BB
AAA | 2.72 ERA, 79.1 IP (18 GS) 26.0% K, 14.0% BB
MLB | 4.38 ERA, 12.1 IP (4 G, 1 GS) 8 K, 2 BB

Lopez missed 2022 for Tommy John surgery, but rode the shuttle to the big leagues when he returned in 2023. Like most system southpaws, he’s a deception lefty with low velo stuff, and his profile is a 2-seam/slider combo that plays in the lower third. He has a change, but lacks a third pitch vs lefties. It’s unlikely the Rays see a starter in his stuff, but his utility as an up-and-down bulk guy will keep him on your television screen this season. As for whether he could be something more, Lopez gets great extension and (thanks to a horizontal arm angle) spins with quality armside run, so who knows what the Rays pitching lab could cook up for him.

28. Tanner Murray, 2B/3B
24 | BT: R/R | 6’ 2” | 190
AA | .256/.345/.438 (.783 OPS, 110 wRC+) 200 PA, 5 HR, 0 SB

In 2022, Murray got a handful of games in the AFL after a strong showing at Class-A (151 wRC+) and an average showing in A+ (100 wRC+), but it’s not clear that the Rays knew what to do with the 2020 4th rounder out of UC Davis. To start 2023 he bounced between A+ and Triple-A, perhaps to meet a roster need, but was injured just 9 games into his season on a play at second base. He returned mid-July and the Rays sent him to Double-A, where he worked a utility-style infield rotation but mostly settled in at second base. He’s got sure hands and good plate discipline, but his swing was under construction in 2023.

29. Kenny Piper, C
25 | BT: R/R | 5’ 11” | 190
A+ | .216/.333/.458 (.791, 115 wRC+) 270 PA, 13 HR, 3 SB
AA | .293/.389/.610 (.999 OPS, 160 wRC+) 95 PA, 7 HR, 0 SB

Where most hitters struggle the most when promoted to Double-A, Piper found a power stroke and went on a tear in his age-24 season, belting 7 HR in less than a hundred plate appearances once promoted to Montgomery. Was it simply a hot streak, or a legitimate improvement? We’ll have to find out. As an 18th round draft pick from 2021, Piper will be Rule 5 eligible at the end of this season, so time is of the essence. The draw here is plus power. His long swing is cocked and ready, and has enough speed to belt to all fields.

30. Erick Lara, SS
17 | BT: L/R | 6’ 2” | 165
DSL | .305/.416/.445 (.861 OPS, 133 wRC+) 154 PA, 2 HR, 5 SB

The latest teenage trade acquisition for the Rays, Lara is a 17-year old 6’2” shortstop with a loose, left handed swing with feel. With a prospect this far off, it’s an open question as to how his body will fill out, but he’s got a solid approach at the plate and enough bat speed to provide a distant power projection. He’s expected to get the promotion to the complex league for his age-18 season.

Honorable Mentions

Colby White, RHP
25 | 6’ 0” | 190
Rk | 2 ER, 10.1 IP (11 G) 12 K, 11 BB
A+ | 2 ER, 5.0 IP (5 G) 4 K, 2 BB
AA | 0 ER, 6.2 IP (8 G) 8 K, 4 BB

Relief-only prospect White returned from Tommy John surgery (that was required due to an elbow fracture at the ligament) mid-way through 2023 after missing all of the previous season, and in total threw 22.0 IP with a 1.64 ERA across three levels. His potential as a high-leverage reliever is sky high, so much so that Tampa Bay added him to the 40-man roster last off-season to ensure he was not poached, despite being unable to pitch at the time. His game prior to the surgery was a 70-grade rising fastball and an above average power slider, but Marc Topkin reports he now boasts two breaking balls that Kyle Snyder calls, “better off-speed pitches than he’s ever featured before.” Intriguing!

Bob Seymour, 1B
25 | BT: L/R | 6’ 3” | 250
A+ | .310/.391/.556 (.947 OPS, 154 wRC+) 248 PA, 13 HR, 1 SB
AA | .343/.443/.537 (.980 OPS, 165 wRC+) 79 PA, 4 HR, 0 SB

Once the 2019 ACC player of the year, 25-year old Seymour is a 2021 late round senior out of Wake Forest who has performed well at every level, even though he might be considered a late bloomer. He has a left handed swing power to all fields, and didn’t take a step back even when making the transition to Double-A. the 25-year old is limited to first base defensively and is considered a below average runner, but you can’t deny he has impressed with his offense, earning Rays minor league Player of the Month honors last June.

Ronny Simón, 2B/SS
23 | BT: S/R | 5’ 7” | 150
AA | .240/.323/.391 (.714 OPS, 91 wRC+) 416 PA, 10 HR, 26 SB
AAA | .282/.380/.427 (.807 OPS, 107 wRC+) 137 PA, 3 HR, 5 SB

Acquired from the Diamondbacks ahead of the 2022 season for Jordon Luplow, Simón gets most of his play at second base, but has potential as a switch-hitting utility player if his defense continues to improve, or could settle in as a solid starter at second base. This off-season, Simón played a starring role for the Dominican’s Toros Del Este, where he led the league in both AVG (.323) and OBP (.432). His best attribute is his speed on the base paths, and entering his age-24 season is starting to develop real in-game power (not for lack of trying, despite a diminutive size). It’s a high-effort, linear swing, but thanks to some added patience it’s starting to come together for a player who’s been Rule 5 eligible two off-seasons running.

Willy Vasquez, 3B
22 | BT: R/R | 6’ 3” | 191
A+ | .233/.310/.393 (.703 OPS, 93 wRC+) 472 PA, 16 HR, 17 SB

In another life, Vasquez is in Caminero’s shoes, but back-to-back seasons hitting under 100 wRC+ have dimmed the bright light of his other tools. Either his long swing needs reinvention, or he needs to prove himself against advanced pitching, as time is running out. Despite some struggles hitting for average at Class- and High-A these last two seasons, a trip to Double-A is next, and an opportunity to prove he’s worth addition to the 40-man roster next year. If he figures it out, the rest of his tools give a major league projection for an infield role.

Cooper Kinney, 2B
21 | BT: L/R | 6’ 1” | 200
A | .274/.341/.393 (.734 OPS, 110 wRC+) 505 PA, 10 HR, 3 SB

Kinney was drafted No. 34 overall by the Rays in 2021 out of high school, signing for north of $2 million, but missed the 2022 season after injuring his shoulder in Spring Training. Because the injury required surgery, Kinney’s first full season of baseball didn’t occur until 2023. Entering his age-21 season, there’s little reason to think his hitting ability and power potential that got him drafted so highly has disappeared. His physical development could go either direction from second base, but it’s worth noting his reporting to camp in great shape with improving agility was seen internally by the Rays as a strong positive. His arm was sapped in 2023, but that was to be expected after his injury.

Ryan Cermack, OF
22 | BT: R/R | 6’ 0” | 205
A | .268/.346/.465 (.811 OPS, 129 wRC+) 160 PA, 6 HR, 8 SB

Drafted No. 71 overall in 2022, Ryan Cermack enters his age-23 season with less than 200 plate appearances in the Rays system. He has the profile of a power hitting center fielder, but fell off prospect lists this off-season after missing three months mid-year with a wrist injury, and although he didn’t miss a beat on his return, there appears to be some skepticism that his hit tool will click as he climbs the ladder. Cermack’s draft slot was acquired alongside Isaac Paredes in the Austin Meadows trade.

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Number of Top-30 prospects newly added to the system: 7

Number of Top-30 prospects added who were not ranked on last year’s list: 11

Top-30 prospects who graduated (2023 rank): Taj Bradley (3); Jonathan Aranda (9); Rene Pinto (18)

Former Top-30 prospects who fell off the list (2023 rank): Carlos Colmenarez (12); Kameron Misner (13); Brock Jones (14); JJ Goss (21); Austin Vernon (25); Heriberto Hernandez (26); Tristan Peters (29); Evan Reifert (30)

Former Top-30 prospects who were traded (2023 rank): Kyle Manzardo (4); Shane Sasaki (19); Greg Jones (23)