Chandler Simpson Handles Challenges Rays Throw At Him
Chandler Simpson does everything on the baseball field fast.
So it is not a surprise to the Rays how quickly the 23-year-old center fielder has progressed since they drafted him out of Georgia Tech in the second round in 2022.
Knowing Simpson has elite speed, solid contact ability, good strike-zone knowledge and minimal power, the Rays were willing to lean into what he did well while shifting him from second base to outfield.
Simpson’s success last year at two Class A stops—he hit .293/.373/.345 with a minor league-leading 94 stolen bases—and his strong start this season spurred the Rays to promote him to Double-A Montgomery.
Quickly.
“There were questions about his defensive home and some risks involved banking on extreme contact paired with limited power,” Rays farm director George Pappas said, “but the (scouting department) went about it thoughtfully.
“And to Chandler’s credit, his tools have only improved in all aspects as he’s advanced through our system. He can impact the game in so many ways on a given night.’’
Simpson has done his part to progress, working with the Rays’ strength-and-conditioning, nutrition and hitting staffs to put on good weight and not lose speed. He said in spring training that his goal was to steal 100 bases.
“He is more than just a fast baserunner. He’s an accomplished hitter, knows how to put the ball in play and knows his strengths,” Pappas said.
“Chandler wants to be great in all facets and is willing to put in the work to be that. He’s continued to make sound decisions in the box, and in addition to having some of the best contact ability in pro baseball, his quality of contact has improved.’’
The promotion to Double-A will challenge Simpson in all areas of his game, including his specialty of stealing bases.
“We’re confident he will handle the challenge,’’ Pappas said, “as he has every other one we’ve thrown at him to date.’’
COOL RAYS
— Top prospect Junior Caminero’s progress toward a callup was stalled in late May at Triple-A Durham when he sustained a pulled left quad that was likely to sideline him into July.
— High-A Bowling Green first baseman Tre’ Morgan and Double-A lefthander Ian Seymour were named the Rays’ minor league player and pitcher of the month for May.
