“It’s A Testament To The Work I Put In In The Offseason” | Tampa Bay Rays Prospect Tre Morgan Named Club’s Minor League Player of the Year

When the Tampa Bay Rays drafted former LSU Tigers star with the No.88 overall pick, in many ways he was the forgotten man from a 2023 Tigers squad that captured its first College World Series since 2009.

 

With pitcher Paul Skenes going No.1 overall to the Pirates and outfielder Dylan Crews going No.2 overall to the Washington Nationals, Morgan fell between the cracks a bit. But that’s not to say his impact wasn’t felt throughout the Tigers season and run to the CWS title.

 

In fact, Morgan was unbelievable in that title run, he batted .316 with nine homers and 53 RBI. He also tallied four triples and 15 doubles while scoring 66 runs.

 

Point blank Morgan was a huge piece of the Tigers run. He’s carried that type of production into the minor leagues, and this year he was named Rays minor-league player of the year.

 

Morgan Shines For Double-A Biscuits

 

Morgan spent the 2024 season in three different places, Class-A Charleston, High-A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery. In all the former third-round pick posted a solid .324 average and .891 OPS. He also went yard 10 times, stole 20 bases and walked as many times as he struck out (48 times). That was good enough to catapult him to the award, and he says it’s all about the work he put in for the season.

 

“Obviously, we have the No.1 farm system in baseball. So to get this award, it’s an honor. It’s a testament to the work I put in in the offseason. It paid off.”

 

Morgan is correct, the fruits of his labor has shown in a major way, and it’s very likely to get him to the majors much sooner than his anticipated 2026 arrival.

 

 

Morgan’s Play Forced Rays Hand

 

Because of his stellar play Morgan’s steady rise up the minor league ladder was something team brass couldn’t stop. At each stop he improved forcing them to move him up. While it’s not unheard of, it is very rare to see a player climb the ladder so rapidly. Rays assistant GM Kevin Ibach spoke on Morgan’s ascension.

 

“I always say when Tre comes in the box, it’s must-watch TV, no matter where I am. I want to see him compete. Of course I’m biased, but I think he’s one of the best competitors in the box in all of minor league baseball.”

 

Morgan and teammate Chandler Simpson who stole 104 bases are the future for the Rays and they’re aiming to crash the MLB scenes.