In a recent sit-down with MLBbro.com at Fenway Park, Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson answered a wide range of topics from his improved defense to the No-Name Rays, who have the best record in the American League.
MLBbro.com: On Thursday night, the broadcasters on ESPN were raving about your bat-to-ball skills. Do you feel the same way?
Chandler Simpson: I feel they are good. I feel like I’m in a good spot. I’m making sure that whenever I’m making contact, good things are going to happen.
MLBbro.com: You said you studied Luis Arráez, Rod Carew and Tony Gwynn over the years. Why those guys?
Simpson: Those are great bat-to ball hitters, known for hitting for high averages, getting on base a lot and spraying the ball all over the field. That’s something I aspire to do. Those are good people to look up to.
MLBbro.com: One thing they didn’t do was strikeout often. You are just like them. Does striking out bother you?
Simpson: Very much so. I feel like it doesn’t give me a chance at all to use my capabilities. It doesn’t put any pressure on the defense. Anytime I’m at the plate, I want to make sure that I put pressure on the defense and I’m doing my best to reach first base.
MLBbro.com: Arráez, Carew and Tony Gwynn won batting titles. Do you plan to win a batting title?
Simpson: That’s something I aspire to do. I don’t look at many stats. I don’t look at the scoreboard too much. I just take it day-to-day. At the end of the season, if it comes to that point, that would be a great accomplishment.
MLBbro.com: The Rays are known for using analytics, but they have been playing small ball. You have been getting your share of bunt hits. How good is it that they are paying attention to your skills and not looking for the three-run homer?
Simpson: I appreciate them for trusting me in my abilities and the fact that I am able to get the job done in every aspect that they need me to.
MLBbro.com: We always talk about your offense. But your defense has improved. Your outs above average is +6 compared to last year, which was -5. What changes did you make in the outfield?
Simpson: It was just the mindset. (First Base coach) Corey Dickerson has really helped me with the mindset of playing the outfield. He makes sure I’m locked in and attentive when it comes to the early work. He is making sure I’m ready for every pitch that comes my way.
MLBbro.com: During the 2025 season, you were sent down to the Minor Leagues because of your below average defense. What were you doing wrong at that time and how did you correct it?
Simpson: I wasn’t anticipating every pitch. I wasn’t locked in. I was just looking at myself as a hitter, getting on base and stealing bags. I wasn’t caring as much defensively. But that was a wakeup call that defense has to be a big part of my game, knowing that I have speed. … I wasn’t really attentive to the work in the game. That’s the difference that I made this year.
MLBbro.com: During Spring Training, I understand, you sought help on defense from Cedric Mullins and Kevin Kiermaier. What was the biggest thing they taught you?
Simpson: It was about the mindset. It’s just making sure that I’m locked in on every pitch. I’m anticipating every pitch to come my way. That’s the biggest thing. They talked about not taking a pitch off. That starts with batting practice and the early work.
MLBbro.com: You improved your throwing arm. What happened there?
Simpson: K.K. (Kiermaier) really helped me out when it comes to the mindset of throwing. Not just throwing just to throw, but to throw to get your arm better. Every day, I try to stretch it out a little bit, making sure my arm is feeling good and right.
MLBbro.com: The Rays are off to a great start. What do you like about this team?
Simpson: As long as we take it one day at a time, continue to lean on each other, we can impact the game in different facets. We have power, speed and pitching, play small ball and defense. As long as we continue to do that, good things will happen.
MLBbro.com: There are a lot of no-names on this team. How do you feel when I say that?
Simpson: I wouldn’t call them no-names. They are big leaguers at the end of the day. They are names to me. Everybody is a baller up here. They are big leaguers for a reason. They are names for sure.
