Chandler Simpson is an up and coming star for the Tampa Bay Rays. After not initially making the opening day roster, Simpson stayed persistent. In 33 games with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, the Rays’ affiliate, Simpson batted .333, swiped 19 bases, and posted a .370 on-base percentage.
On April 18, 2025, Simpson’s dreams came true; he got called up to the Big Leagues. Now, in the majors, Simpson is set to face tougher pitching and will be playing in more hostile and pressurized environments. But, despite this change of scenery, his approach to the game has stayed the same.
“Staying in my approach trying to look for a good pitch to hit and executing my approach, staying on the left side of the field.”
Simpson’s approach has been working to say the least. In 80 games, Simpson is hitting .305, while obtaining a.340 on-base percentage. Simpson credits his work ethic and identity as main factors to why his game translates to the next level.
“Testament to all the hard work and all the work that goes behind the scenes and continue to know who I am, continue to know my game, know my approach and sticking to that everyday and trying to execute that as much as I can.”
At the forefront of Simpson’s toolbox is his elite contact skills, but the hallmark of his game is the elite speed he covets. So far this eason, Simpson has 37 stolen bases. His 37 stolen bases rank second in MLB, trailing José Caballero’s 40, despite Simpson playing in 20 fewer games. Simpson touches on the differences he’s witnessed on the basepaths between the pros and minor leagues.
“Catchers are better, they have better arms, better pop times, pitchers pay attention to you more. And I know that every team has a gameplan for me coming into a series. That’s a big difference, just a lot of teams paying more attention and I’m having to really like pick my spots more often now.”
Despite his father’s endearment for Barry Bonds growing up, Simpson accepts that the two are polar opposites. Bonds was one of the greatest sluggers in MLB history, while Simpson is a contact hitter who possesses elite speed. Simpson believes his game meshes more towards other pros who came before him.
“I love the Billy Hamilton’s, the Tony Gwynn’s, the Rod Carew’s … I’m a student of the game, I love the history of baseball so I know all of those guys.”
Simpson, being an Atlanta, Georgia native, is one of the many shining Black stars who are dominating the MLB landscape. There were 6.2 percent of Black athletes on opening day rosters this season, which was an increase from 6.0% last year. He mentions how it was paramount for them to bring more representation to people of color in baseball.
“We all kind of grew up in the same community in Atlanta and all of us want to make a difference in baseball. A lot of African Americans play basketball and football … just coming together, continuing step by step, high school, college, minors, and then major leagues, so there’s more of us coming for sure.”
Capping off his rookie campaign, Simpson has one main goal in mind.
“I want to continue racking up these bags because I want to lead the league in bags. That’s the goal every year. I want to be at the top of the list. I want to have the crown so that’s what I’m aiming for.”
