Tampa Bay Rays Make Bold Move with Chandler Simpson

In a strategic shake-up, the Tampa Bay Rays have officially selected the contract of outfielder Chandler Simpson. This decision comes as fellow outfielder Richie Palacios heads back to the injured list due to a right knee sprain, and the Rays transfer right-hander Alex Faedo to the 60-day IL following a shoulder issue. Faedo’s path to recovery remains uncertain, making his return unlikely until late May at the earliest.

Meet Chandler Simpson: The Base-Stealing Phenom

At just 24 years old, Simpson is lighting up the minor leagues with his jaw-dropping base-stealing skills. Drafted as the 70th overall pick in 2022, he has already made a name for himself by swiping an impressive 81 bases in just 93 attempts this season over 91 games. Last year, he showcased his talent even further, nabbing 104 bases in 110 games.

Simpson's Unique Skill Set: More Than Just Speed

While Simpson is known for his speed, his performance at the plate tells a more complex story. With a minor league slash line of .324/.389/.371, he has demonstrated an ability to get on base, boasting more walks than strikeouts. However, power has been elusive—his only home run came from an inside-the-park hit.

Comparisons to Past Speedsters: The Hope and Caution

Historically, speed specialists like Billy Hamilton and Dee Strange-Gordon have struggled offensively, making their speed a double-edged sword. If Simpson can enhance his on-base capabilities, he could surpass the limitations of his predecessors and make a significant impact on the basepaths.

Scouts Divided: Can Simpson Shine at the Big League Level?

Opinions on Simpson's potential vary among scouts. FanGraphs ranks him as the 72nd-best prospect in baseball, commending his contact skills but also warning of pitfalls faced by similar players. ESPN places him at number 91, though Baseball America expresses more concern regarding his defensive skills and power.

Timing and Trade-offs: Understanding the Promotion Incentive

Simpson's promotion arrives without the prospect promotion incentive benefits, as he only made one major list. While he will be under team control until 2031, he could become arbitration-eligible as a Super Two player by 2027, signaling he may be a lasting fixture in Tampa Bay.

Rays’ Injuries Open Door for Simpson

With three outfielders sidelined, the Rays are giving young talent like Simpson a chance to prove himself against big league pitching. He'll join Kameron Misner, Christopher Morel, Jake Mangum, and José Caballero as the team explores how to fill the gaps in their lineup.

A Player to Watch: Will Simpson Deliver?

As Chandler Simpson steps up to the major league stage, all eyes will be on his ability to leverage his speed and refine his skills. Will he be the game-changer the Rays need, or will the challenges of the big leagues prove too daunting? Only time will tell!