This time last year, Tampa Bay Rays prospect Tre Morgan was helping lead the LSU Tigers to their seventh College World Series (second most all-time).
With teammates like pitcher Paul Skenes (first overall pick, Pirates) and outfielder Dylan Crews (second overall pick, Nationals) getting most of the pre-draft hype, first baseman Tre Morgan despite his consistent play went under the radar a bit.
The Rays took the talented first baseman in the third round of the draft, and 11 months later they have no regrets.
At the time of the 2023 MLB Draft amateur scouting director Chuck Rocco raved about Morgan’s skill set ….
“He is a really fun player to watch. Elite defender, good contact, skills, plays the game with a ton of energy and very relaxed. I guess you could say he was one of the room’s favorite player to talk about this week, so we’re really excited.”
Now just about three months into his first professional season, Morgan’s development has been so accelerated that Rays team brass is still swelling with excitement. In fact, it’s actually even higher now seeing Morgan perform at an elite level against major league prospects.
Congrats to @tremorgann on being promoted to @BGHotRods 😤#DogDynasty pic.twitter.com/D5mrFX17XE
— Charleston RiverDogs (@ChasRiverDogs) May 14, 2024
Morgan Gets Quick Call Up
After spending just 26 games at Single-A Charleston, Morgan got the call up to High-A Bowling Green. Morgan got off to a blistering start going (19-42) in 52 plate appearances.
That included a .452 batting average along with nine doubles, two home runs, 12 RBIs, eight walks, just one different strikeout. His 1.359 OPS ranked highest on the team. On defense, Morgan even ventured out to left field showing his versatility.
Morgan was recognized as the Rays Minor League Player of the Month. Following the announcement of Morgan winning the award, Blake Butera the Rays senior director of player development told reporters this.
“He’s been outstanding. Doesn’t strike out. All over the barrel. Gives you tremendous at-bats. Comes to play every day. He’s done a nice job at first base and also outfield.”
HOMERUNNNNNNNN#RevItUp | #MiLB pic.twitter.com/6Z9B9kAmry
— Bowling Green Hot Rods (@BGHotRods) May 19, 2024
Morgan Is A Difference Maker
If Morgan’s hot month of May was any indication of what’s to come, the Rays have very likely landed a future difference maker for them. This season Morgan is batting .339 with four homers and 29 RBI, his .934 OPS is tops on the Hot Rods’ roster. He’s also stolen 12 bases in 15 tries.
In his short minor league career including last season’s 14 games and this season’s 45-game slate, Morgan is raking with a .351 batting average with five total homers and 35 RBI.
In 222 career at-bats Morgan has 78 hits while drawing 30 walks, meaning he’s been on base 108 of those 222 at-bats. With an expected 2026 call-up, Morgan is setting the table and developing just the way the Rays envisioned when they took him in last year’s draft.
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