Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson has quickly made a name for himself in just his second MLB season.

The speedster has reached 40-plus stolen bases in both seasons. Known for his speed and ability to swipe bases during his time in the minors, Simpson continues to do just that in the big leagues.

Tampa Bay Rays Chandler Simpson Is Batting .417 During 11-Game Hit Streak

 

During his rookie season last year, Simpson stole 44 bases, which was tied for second in the league. He also broke the Rays franchise record for stolen bases by a rookie.

Simpson’s speed is next level, and that makes him an immediate threat when he steps in the batter’s box. To go along with his 44 stolen bases in his rookie year, he finished the season with a .295 batting average and

If he puts the ball in play, there’s a good chance he’ll reach base safely.

Chandler Simpson Swipes Bases At Rapid Rate

This season, Simpson continues to show how productive he can be on the field. He is hitting over .300 through 141 games with 41 stolen bases.

He went on to make history again when he became one of five players to reach 40 stolen bases in their first two seasons. The last player to do so was Chad Curtis during the 1992 and 1993 seasons.

Simpson is also the third Rays player to steal 40-plus bases in multiple seasons. The other two players to do so were Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton.

What made things better was that he made history in his hometown of Atlanta, GA, against the Braves.

Simpson was excited to be playing in his hometown for the first time in his big league career.

“It’ll mean a lot,” Simpson said. “Just to go back home in front of friends and family, just to be playing a team that I was a big fan of growing up. So, it’d be a pleasure for sure.”

When he recorded his 40th stolen base against Atlanta, it was a moment he’ll never forget.

“Just blessed with the abilities that I’ve been given,” Simpson said. “And the fact that I was able to get 40 at home, I’m definitely gonna remember that forever.”

He’s currently second in the league in the stolen base category. This season, Simpson will have the opportunity to play more baseball as the Rays clinched a spot in the postseason.

Chandler Simpson Looking To Continue Solid Play In Postseason 

And he can certainly be a factor for his team as Tampa Bay will get ready to make a run at a World Series title.

If Simpson can have the same production in the postseason that he’s had during the regular season, it will be difficult to beat Tampa Bay.

Though it’ll be his first postseason appearance, Simpson is the type of player who is poised and is ready for the big moment.

Tampa Bay will look for Simpson to play a significant role come October, and Simpson will continue to make a name for himself and establish himself as an impactful player.