New Rays prospect additions fitting right into the organizational mold
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Thirteen members of the Rays’ Top 30 prospect list weren’t in the organization at this time last year. Two arrived in the 2024 Draft, one was a 2025 international signee and a whopping 10 have come over in trades since last March. Normally with that level
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Thirteen members of the Rays’ Top 30 prospect list weren’t in the organization at this time last year. Two arrived in the 2024 Draft, one was a 2025 international signee and a whopping 10 have come over in trades since last March. Normally with that level of turnover, you’d think the group would need to use nametags in their first spring together.
Except since the end of last season, Tampa Bay has worked at developing the cohesiveness of its farm system, now arguably the deepest in baseball -- starting with a fall camp after the season, then with another camp for top prospects in January and now full Spring Training.
“It doesn't feel like they're super-new anymore,” senior director of player development Blake Butera said. “If anything, we’re excited to see them play in our uniform against different uniforms by this point.”
If you look at the types of players the Rays acquired, certain key themes emerge.
There are the toolsy center fielders, like Theo Gillen (2024 first round) and Aidan Smith (Randy Arozarena trade). There are pitchers with fastballs featuring plenty of carry, like Brody Hopkins (Arozarena), Jackson Baumeister (Zach Eflin) and Ty Johnson (Isaac Paredes). There are the elite defenders up the middle, like Homer Bush Jr. (Jason Adam) and Gregory Barrios (Aaron Civale).
“I think what we do really well is our scouting and player developments are so close in terms of how often we talk,” Butera said. “We’re always going back and forth. ‘Hey, what do you see with this guy? Is this someone who we could help?’ There's a lot of collaboration between departments here to make sure that what our scouts see matches up with what our PD group sees matches up with what our front office sees, and vice versa.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Going back to last year’s High-A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery teams -- where much of the Rays’ farm system was concentrated after the Trade Deadline -- there has been a process in place to turn those new faces from Rays types into actual Rays prospects, and the organization is pleased by the early returns of that process.
Smith, in particular, earned high marks with the offseason regimen he presented to his new organization -- from baseball activities to strength workouts to nutrition -- as a follow-up to a first full season that featured 11 homers, 41 steals and an .874 OPS in 97 games at Single-A. Hopkins is about to get into his first Major League game of the spring on Friday, thus missing out on the Spring Breakout game the night before, with many intrigued to see where his fastball-slider combo stands.
“You have to think, their worlds just got turned upside down,” Butera said. “They thought they were Baltimore Orioles and were going to play in the Major Leagues with them. Then all of a sudden, they get flipped to us. We don't want to overreact to their results the last month of the season they were with us. We’ve been paying more attention to them this offseason going into 2025 and already we're very happy with both of them.”
The Rays’ additions haven’t touched their Top 100 core just yet -- top four prospects Carson Williams, Xavier Isaac, Brayden Taylor and Tre’ Morgan are all homegrown talents. But building depth behind and around that foundation is just Tampa Bay getting back to its roots.
“They don't see it as competition because of who we are as a Major League team and as an organization,” Butera said. “We move guys around, and at the end of the day, we want to get our best nine players in the lineup, regardless of where that is. They're pulling for each other. We all want to do this together and it's a cool environment.”
First base logjam: Xavier Isaac, Tre’ Morgan, Will Simpson
Last year’s Spring Training Report focused on the Rays’ depth at first base, and if anything that’s only gotten more convoluted in the 12 months since. Isaac and Morgan combined forces at both Double-A and in the Arizona Fall League with both seeing time in the outfield in the latter to get their respective plus tools (Morgan’s hit, Isaac’s power) into the lineup.
Never ones to shy away from adding a talent they believe can help, the Rays also brought in first baseman Simpson from the A’s this offseason as part of the return for left-handers Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez. The 2023 15th-rounder reached Double-A for 18 games late last summer and finished with 18 homers across 127 contests in his first full season, including those from his time at High-A. The Washington product has excited Tampa Bay coaches and coordinators with his extraordinary bat speed in early workouts, and he could provide a nice right-handed complement to lefties Morgan and Isaac.
“What he's able to do in the cages we haven't seen many people be able to do that just in terms of bat speed and exit velo,” Butera said. “I think we're all really excited to see him get in the games and get going.”
A possible solution would be to push Morgan to Triple-A Durham, considering his glovework at the cold corner is Major League-caliber already and his bat-to-ball skills could translate with an aggressive push. That would leave Isaac (who had serious contact issues in the Southern League) and Simpson in Montgomery, but that’s still up in the air, Butera noted. He added Simpson could see time at third base or move part time to the grass like the two others as the “good problems” continue.
“I think the three of those guys,” he said, “just with the ability to push out there, it gives us some more flexibility to get them in the lineup every day.”
Something new: Homer Bush Jr.
The Rays, of course, have a lightning-quick center fielder already in 100-stolen-base man Chandler Simpson and brought in another in Bush, who swiped 57 bags across two High-A teams in 2024. The latter lacks Simpson’s elite contact ability, but he’s shown a little more propensity for power, having hit six homers while slugging .363 last year.
With a full offseason under his new organization’s guidance, Bush has impressed Rays officials with some adjustments he’s made in the box to translate his premium athleticism into even more power in 2025, and the results have been there with a couple of homers in live batting practice sessions already.
“It’s about creating a little bit more separation,” Butera said. “He has a leg kick now and a little more hand movement, just getting his body in a better position to impact the ball. … He’s an explosive player. We know it’s in there. We just need to tap into it.”
2024 Draft sleeper: Nathan Flewelling
Gillen and Émilien Pitre were the only 2024 Draft picks to crack the Rays’ Top 30, but another one lurks just outside. Alberta native Flewelling secured his place on the radar with a strong showing at the MLB Draft Combine, and as a left-handed-hitting catcher with decent bat speed, he checked several boxes Tampa Bay likes in its backstop prospects before joining the organization in the third round.
Flewelling also only turned 18 in November, so he’ll be given plenty of time and space to develop. But his temperament in his first Spring Training is already catching attention from all corners.
“He went to our Major League game the other day,” Butera said, “and [Kevin] Cash was saying it felt like he had been up there for a few years.”
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
RubberDucks Broadcasters Jim Clark & Marco LaNave to call Guardians Spring Training & Spring Breakout game
(AKRON, OHIO) March 5, 2025 – Before they call their sixth season together of Akron RubberDucks baseball, broadcasters Jim Clark and Marco LaNave will call a Cleveland Guardians Major League Spring Training game and the second annual Spring Breakout game featuring Guardians and Seattle Mariners prospects in Goodyear, Arizona. Clark,
RubberDucks announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
(AKRON, OHIO) February 12, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the 2025 promotional schedule presented by MCA of Akron/UA Local 219, which once again features a theme for all 69 regular season home games. The RubberDucks open the 2025 season at Canal Park on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m.
RubberDucks 2025 Single Game tickets are on sale now
(AKRON, OHIO) December 16, 2024 – Single game tickets are now on sale for all 69 Akron RubberDucks regular season home games from April 8-Sept. 7, 2025 at Canal Park. Fans can purchase single game tickets at akronrubberducks.com/tickets or by calling 855-97-QUACK. Single game ticket prices start as low as
RubberDucks to host job fairs and non-profit information sessions
(AKRON, OHIO) February 18, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks will host job fairs and non-profit information sessions to find the best of the best to help provide affordable family fun during the 2025 season. The job fairs will be held on Thursday, March 6 and Tuesday, March 11. Both events
RubberDucks team up with Swensons Drive-In Restaurants to become the Akron Galley Boys for two games this season
(AKRON, OHIO) February 26, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks and Swensons Drive-In Restaurants announce a partnership for the Akron Galley Boys nights on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28. “Much like two great middle infielders make an amazing double play tandem, we are excited to partner with Swensons for
Wackadoo! Bluey is heading to Canal Park on May 23 for real life
PURCHASE MEET-AND-GREET EXPERIENCE (AKRON, OHIO) March 12, 2025 – Bluey, everyone’s favorite heeler from the hit show “Bluey,” will be at Canal Park for the RubberDucks’ 7:05 p.m. game on Friday, May 23. While Bluey will be available throughout the game to meet as many fans as possible, the RubberDucks
RubberDucks to become Akron Cheese Salads on July 11
PURCHASE TICKET AND HAT PACKAGE (AKRON, OHIO) February 20, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks will rebrand to the Akron Cheese Salads for one night only on Friday, July 11 as part of the RubberDucks created Only in Akron series. Unique to Akron, the cheese salad is a side dish with
Hit the ice with Matt Doherty at Canal Park August 9th for the Hum Goalie Goalie VIP Package
Purchase VIP Package (AKRON, OHIO) February 3, 2025 – Matt Doherty, the actor best known for his role of Lester Averman in The Mighty Ducks franchise, will be at Canal Park on Saturday, August 9. Tickets are available now for a special pregame VIP meet-and-greet with Doherty that includes a
Strike the Heisman pose with Troy Smith at Canal Park September 6th for the Scarlet & Gray VIP Package
PURCHASE VIP PACKAGE (AKRON, OHIO) March 3, 2025 – Ohio State legend and 2006 Heisman trophy winner Troy Smith will be at Canal Park Saturday, September 6. Tickets are available now for a special pregame VIP meet-and-greet with Smith that includes a picnic and guaranteed Troy Smith bobblehead presented by
Guardians announce Greg DiCenzo to return to lead 2025 RubberDucks Field Staff
(AKRON, OHIO) January 30, 2025 – The Cleveland Guardians announced their 2025 Player Development staff assignments, returning seven members of the 2024 coaching staff to Akron. Greg DiCenzo returns for his second season as RubberDucks manager. Returning to the staff alongside DiCenzo from 2024 will be Jordan Becker as a
Quack Open a Book and Read presented by FirstEnergy to start on February 17
(AKRON, OHIO) February 10, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks will kick off their 2025 reading program: Quack Open a Book and Read presented by FirstEnergy on Feb. 17. Quack Open a Book and Read presented by FirstEnergy rewards students with a free ticket to a RubberDucks game for reading four
RubberDucks Announce Home Game Times for 2025 Season
View the schedule (AKRON, OHIO) October 14, 2024 – The Akron RubberDucks announce game times for all 69 home games of their 2025 Early Edition Schedule presented by Blind & Sons. The home opener will be on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m. against the Altoona Curve. All weekday evening
RubberDucks to host Auditions for Public Address Announcers
SUBMIT AUDITIONS HERE (AKRON, OHIO) February 24, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks are launching a search for a new Public Address Announcer for the 2025 season. All interested announcers must send a digital submission via video of sample announcements no later than Monday, March 3rd. Virtual submissions are the ONLY
RubberDucks to host Auditions for National Anthem Performers
(AKRON, OHIO) January 27, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks are launching a search for National Anthem performers for the 2025 season. All interested singers, vocal groups (five singers or fewer), and musicians must send a digital submission via video of their acapella or unaccompanied performance of the National Anthem no
RubberDucks to become Akron Galley Boys on June 27 and 28
(AKRON, OHIO) January 21, 2025 – The Akron RubberDucks will rebrand to the Akron Galley Boys for two-nights only on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 as part of the RubberDucks created Only in Akron series. The term Galley Boys refers to the iconic hamburger cooks who worked in
RubberDucks Colt Boxler named SportsField Management magazine Rising Star award winner
(AKRON, OHIO) October 21, 2024 – The Akron RubberDucks assistant groundskeeper Colt Boxler was named a 2024 Rising Star Award winner by SportsField Management magazine. The SportsField Management magazine Rising Star Award highlights the best up-and-coming leaders in the sports field management industry. Rising Star Award winners were nominated by
RubberDucks to partner with Broadway in Akron presented by Playhouse Square
(AKRON, OHIO) November 8, 2024 – The Akron RubberDucks and Playhouse Square announce the beginning of a partnership to highlight Broadway in Akron’s amazing shows and Akron’s theater history. The Broadway in Akron Series is a collaboration between Playhouse Square and The University of Akron which brings touring Broadway shows
RubberDucks Parker Messick, Andrew Walters, Derrik Diaz and Mo Cuevas earn Eastern League Honors
(AKRON, OHIO) September 24, 2024 – Minor League Baseball announced Akron RubberDucks pitchers Parker Messick and Andrew Walters were named to the 2024 Eastern League All-Star team. Votes for the postseason All-Star team were cast by league managers.
RubberDucks Annual six-hour Suite Heart Special Returns Thursday Feb. 13
(AKRON, OHIO) February 6, 2025 – It is February in Akron, love is in the air and the fan-favorite Akron RubberDucks “Six-hour Suite Heart Special” returns Thursday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.! During the “Suite Heart Special,” individuals and groups qualify for a complimentary suite – based
Cade Smith to Headline January 24 Hot Stove Banquet benefiting West Akron Baseball League
Purchase tickets here (AKRON, OHIO) December 18, 2024 – The Akron RubberDucks announce Cade Smith will headline the 2025 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet on Friday, January 24, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Akron. This event will benefit the West Akron Baseball League. Cade Smith made his MLB debut for
RubberDucks announce the Return of 20 Days of Giving
20 Days of Giving Flyer (AKRON, OHIO) November 12, 2024 – The Akron RubberDucks announce the return of the annual 20 Days of Giving starting Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. The 20 Days of Giving are packed with unique, experience-based prizes only available during this once-a-year promotion. Some of this year’s
Habitat For Humanity 50/50 Raffle Winning Numbers
Past Winning Numbers for the Habitat For Humanity of Summit County Raffle at Canal Park: - September 17: A-8362958 - September 15: A-5218293 - September 14: A-1676991 - September 13: A-9939799 - September 12: A-8585551 - September 11: A-2288757 - September 10: A-2124200 - September 1: A-7740066 - August 31:
Sept. 20: Akron's playoff run ends with 2-1 loss in Erie
RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Erie SeaWolves (2-1) 2, Akron RubberDucks (1-2) 1 WP: Joel Peguero (1-0) LP: Trenton Denholm (0-1) Save: Tyler Owens (2) Summary The Akron RubberDucks 2024 season ends with a 2-1 loss to the Erie SeaWolves in a winner take all game three of the