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.
Former LSU/Brother Martin baseball standout Tre’Morgan was named Minor League Player of the Year in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. pic.twitter.com/AZpAtEHB1u
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.
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.
The art of base stealing was perfected by legendary Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson, Lou Brock and Tim Raines, among others.
But over the last 30-plus seasons not many players have been able to reach the 100-steal plateau in the minors or major leagues. In fact, no player has done such since Vince Coleman did it with 109 base thefts in 1987.
While the feat has been reached more in the minors since then it still hasn’t happened often.
Heading into the 2024 minor league season only two players had done so since 2005, with Billy Hamilton tallying 103 steals in 2011 and an astounding 155 in 2012.
He was joined by Delino DeShields who stole 101 in 2012 as well.
Chandler Simpson Swipes 100 Bags
Last week Tampa Bay Rays prospect Chandler Simpson etched his name on the history books becoming the first minor leaguer to steal 100 bases in 12 seasons.
For two seasons Simpson came close to reaching the 100 steal mark. First in 2022 he nabbed 81 steals, and in 2023 he had 94 steals which tied him with good friend and St. Louis Cardinals prospect Victor Scott II. Simpson admitted that he was okay with sharing the mark with Scott last season, but he also let it be known that he was striving for even more this season.
That’s exactly what he’s done with his unique skillset, and even more impressive is he’s done it against Double-A competition. He told reporters this after setting the mark.
“Just knowing what situation to run in and just patience. Knowing that I don’t have to go on the very first pitch and I can wait a pitch or wait a couple of pitches or find a count that is going to be a breaking ball count and then take a bag then. And then using different ways to giving the pitcher different looks; short lead, long lead, vault jump, regular jump. Just having a toolbox and just knowing that I can trust myself with anything that I can use over there at first or at second.”
Stealing bases is an art and Simpson seems to have mastered it. That ability alone will etch out a place for him on any club. He’ll fit seamlessly with the Rays who’s (174) stolen bases as a team ranks fourth in all of MLB.
That’s what Simpson aiming for now, doing it in the majors.
Simpson’s trademark speed and quickness is what’s talked about most as it pertains to him. And with good reason, he’s accrued 30 multi-steal games and eight others with at least steals. He even reached four steals in a game late August, but that’s just the beginning of who he is as a player.
Simpson’s also got a great bat, he leads the minors with 156 hits and a .356 batting average. His .412 on-base percentage ranks 15th, proving that he’s a total package as a a player minus the huge power numbers.
He currently projects as the Rays leadoff hitter of the near future with an expected MLB arrival in 2025.
Not too long ago, Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker was considered a can’t miss prospect.
That was in 2019 when he tossed a 19-strikeout, no-hitter against the Duke Blue Devils as a member of the Vanderbilt Commodores. That outing came in an elimination game of the NCAA Super Regionals. Rocker then one-upped himself by winning two games in the College World Series to lead Vandy to the 2019 CWS national championship. For his efforts he was named Most Outstanding Player.
From that point on Rocker was in many ways considered one of the two top pitching prospects, along with teammate Jack Leiter, (the top pick in the 2021 MLB Draft). In that same draft Rocker was taken 10th overall, but because of his arm issues the New York Mets opted against signing him and suffered their share of criticism.
Rocker re-entered the draft in 2022 and was taken No.3 overall by the Rangers.
Another Man’s Trash Is Another’s Man Treasure
Just over 16 months ago Rocker blew out his elbow. Because of that unfortunate circumstance there were major questions about Rocker following Tommy John Surgery. Upon his return to both Double-A and Triple-A Rocker has been his usual overpowering self. In just over 29 2/3 combined innings Rocker fanned 47 while allowing just 17 base runners, three runs and a paltry 0.91 ERA. Rocker’s grit and perseverance is something that ultimately helped the Rangers to make a decision on drafting him.
Kumar Rocker no doubt has big league stuff
Between AA and AAA he holds a 0.92 ERA with a 0.58 WHIP
“He’s been dealt some challenging circumstances with things that were out of is control, Rangers assistant GM Ross Fenstermaker recently told reporters. “But I think the biggest takeaway the Rock is he’s just so strong-willed and determined to achieve what he wants to achieve. He’s really built to handle adversity in a very high capacity. It’s impressive what he does and how he goes about it.”
When this Melanated Mound Marauder is right, he’s got the stuff that managers and pitching coaches look for in an ace. The two pitches the burly 6-foot-5 and 245-pound hurler rely on most is a blessed high-end fastball (97-98 MPH) and slider, Rocker has also added a very solid change-up to his repertoire of pitches. That pitch tops off in the low-90s with some fade.
With the Rangers playoff hopes very slim, bringing Rocker up for his first start in mid-September is more about next year. That’s when team brass in expecting the talented MLBbro to be a part of a rotation that also features Jacob DeGrom, Cody Bradford, Jon Gray and Tyler Mable.
And while all of them bring different things to the mound, none of them have the talent that Rocker does.
He was ready to cook in 2023 and spoke to MLBbro.com reporter Malik Wright about it in a “Live On Tape At The Ballpark” segment.
Tonight, we finally get to see the healthy version of Rocker for the first time on an MLB mound. That’s a scary thought, with the same high expectations he had a few years back.
When you watch Baltimore Orioles prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr., play the first thing that stands out is his elite speed on the base paths. That’s the main reason the Orioles used the 17th overall pick on him in the 2023 MLB Draft.
The talented former Vanderbilt Commodore star wreaked havoc on SEC opponents with that speed. It’s also why he’s recorded 69 stolen bases this season between High-A Aberdeen and Double-A Bowie.
The one area the 6-foot-1 and 170-pounder knew he’d need to improve was at the plate, despite hitting a solid .311 over three collegiate seasons,
Bradfield knew he’d need to fix his mechanics at the plate. In 124 career games at the minor league level EBJ is batting a respectable .271 with 122 hits, 37 RBI and three homers.
Not known for his power he’s also tallied a total of 19 doubles and triples (5.).
For an area that figured to be a bit of a concern for EBJ coming into the pros, he’s really been steady.
Boasting a slash line of .274/.355/.375 thus far in his minor league career, EBJ recently did an interview with Glenn Clark Radio where he talked about his bat.
“I know the caliber of hitter I am. I’m going to be the guy that gets on base a lot, but I do have the potential to do some damage as well — hit the ball in the gap, doubles, triples, run into a ball and it’s going to leave. It’s being able to consistently do that, that I’ve been working toward. It’s been a little bit of a stance adjustment, some different swing focuses, swing cues to get me moving in the right way. It’s just been a constant build, even last year in Delmarva to the offseason. It’s just been a constant evolution. I’m excited for what it can look like in the next year.”
While Bradfield will never be mistaken for a power hitter, if he can do what he’s doing now and continue to evolve as a hitter, with his speed, he can be a real foundational piece for the surging Orioles going forward.
Bradfield Believes He Can Put Together 100-Steal Season
As he continues to climb the minor league ladder, EBJ is already thinking about making history once he arrives in the majors.
The speedster also told Glenn Clark Radio that he envisions himself stealing 100 bases in a season. That’s something that hasn’t been done since 1987 when former major leaguer Vince Coleman stole 109 bases.
“I think it’s very much a possibility. I think it’s more than a possibility in my mind. I think there is going to be a year and there are going to be years where that number is right there in my reach.”
With the type of speed and base running skills that EBJ possesses, it could happen.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have an abundance of talent in their farm system. One that features prospects like pitcher Bubba Chandler and shortstop/outfielder Konnor Griffin.
There’s also pitchers Braxton Ashcraft and Thomas Harrington. Not a bad mix of talent at all, but the cream of the crop prospect is thought to be second baseman/shortstop Termarr Johnson.
Johnson is widely considered the best hitting prospect in the farm system and one of the best hitters in all of the minors.
Termarr Johnson Promoted To Double A
Johnson, who’s bat is his claim to fame, making him the No.4 overall pick in 2022, was promoted to Double-A Altoona on Sunday. Johnson excelled during his stint with High-A Greensboro, playing in 110 games this season. There he posted a solid .372 on-base percentage, 13 homers and 20 stolen bases, which led to his promotion up the ranks.
#Pirates 2022 first-rounder Termarr Johnson is Double-A bound, per @AlexJStumpf.
Termarr Johnson Had 12-Game Hitting Streak In July
Last month Johnson experienced the best hitting month of his young career. During July he had a 12-game hitting streak that saw him bat .415 with two homers, three doubles, and nine RBI over that stretch. For the month he batted a solid .300. He was also selected for last month’s Futures Game during All-Star Weekend and Johnson also participated in the Futures Skills Showcase.
Speaking with the media during the All-Star festivities, Johnson was asked about his future and how things were playing out for him two seasons into his career.
“It’s gonna happen in its divine timing. I’m not trying to control too much or even think I about it. Just making sure I do my part, and then when my time comes, I’m ready to do it.”
Sounds like that first big move is now, and if Johnson can perform at a high level in Double-A, a Triple-A call up awaits him.
— Pittsburgh Pirates Player Development Report (@PGHplayerDev) August 25, 2024
Johnson Is Expected To Make A 2025 MLB Arrival
The Pirates are hoping to get Johnson up to the majors by 2025, that’s the reason for the late season call up. While that’s definitely a possibility, team brass is also very interested in seeing him fully develop before bringing him up to Triple-A and eventually the majors. They know the skill set and maturity is there, and those are the two main reasons he was taken so high. He’s been cutting back on the K’s which is also a good sign.
But they also know the hardest jump is from High-A to Double-A, so patience will be vital for Johnson and team brass, who are currently basking in the success of how well they handled 2023 No.1 overall pick Paul Skenes. Skenes started in the All-Star Game and has the fifth-best odds to win the NL Cy Young Award.
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