Washington, DC -The Tampa Bays Rays have always been known for their ability to develop homegrown talent. The steady rise of first baseman and MLBbro Xavier Isaac, the team’s top prospect who was taken 29th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft can’t be overlooked. While Isaac is flourishing in Double AA with an expected call up to the majors late this year or in early 2026, the team has another key piece of the club’s promising future also turning heads.
Inspired By Willie Mays, Tampa Bay Rays Prospect Chandler Simpson Goes Off At Rickwood Field
24-year-old outfielder Chandler Simpson was the club’s second round pick in 2022, and his calling card is speed. Last season Simpson stole 104 bases in 110 games; that’s 30 more than any minor league player has in recent time. As he continues his climb to the majors, Simpson is letting it be known that he’s coming for title of best base swiper in the game.
Simpson Keeps It 100
Speaking with the Cape Cod League as part of a feature, the always confident Simpson didn’t mince his words about his end goal as a player.
“I want to get to the point where everyone in the stadium knows that I’m going and there’s literally nothing you can do,”
That quote was followed by Simpson telling The Athletic that he doesn’t think anyone in baseball can beat him in a race.
“I think I’m taking myself over everybody in baseball.”
That’s supreme confidence when you consider guys like MLBbro Jazz Chisholm (Yankees), Bobby Whitt Jr. (Royals) and Elly De La Cruz (Reds) are widely considered some of the fastest players in MLB.
Simpson Off To Strong Start In Triple-A
In his first eight games at the Triple-A level. Simpson has flourished. The speedster is once again swinging a great bat with a slash line of .297/.325/.351. He’s also stolen five bases. Simpson is known for his ability to beat out ground balls and excel on the basepaths, making him a threat to score easily. His speed and ability to put pressure on defenses could lead to a quick call-up to the major leagues, potentially as a leadoff hitter.
