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.
Hooks Announce High School Baseball Schedule at Whataburger Field
CORPUS CHRISTI – Tickets are on sale for high school baseball at Whataburger Field. Presented by Corpus Christi Medical Center, the 2025 slate is comprised of 23 games in March and features programs from 27 Coastal Bend high schools. Call 361-561-HOOK (4665) for more information. Sat, Mar 1 BSN Baseball
Hooks Host Javelinas in Spring Training Exhibition Game
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Hooks, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas are set to meet in a Wednesday, April 2 friendly at Whataburger Field. The spring training exhibition game begins at 6:35 PM, with ballpark gates opening at 5:35. Tickets are on sale now at cchooks.com.
Hooks Reveal 2025 Promos
CORPUS CHRISTI – With the 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank, less than two months away, your new-look Corpus Christi Hooks present a promotional calendar packed with two dozen giveaways and 14 fireworks displays. The CITGO Jersey Series celebrates Hooks history on special Saturdays in 2025 with the following
Hooks Single Game Tickets On-Sale Now!
CORPUS CHRISTI – Single game tickets are on sale now for the Hooks 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank. Visit cchooks.com or call 361-561-HOOK (4665) to purchase. Corpus Christi will play 69 games over 11 homestands from April through September, hosting Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25) and Independence Day
Nominations Underway for Reliant All-Star Educators Program
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – For a fourth consecutive year, the Corpus Christi Hooks and Reliant have teamed up to empower outstanding local public-school teachers in the Coastal Bend. As part of the Reliant All-Star Educators program, 10 teachers will each receive a $1,600 grant for classroom supplies. “I’d like to
New-Look Hooks Ready to Play Ball
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are rolling out new logos and uniforms in tribute to the bond between a ballclub and its city. The rebrand, including eight custom marks, was commissioned to usher in the Hooks 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American
Ricky Rivera to Lead Hooks in 2025
CORPUS CHRISTI – Manager Ricky Rivera, pitching coach Alex Harter, hitting coach Bobby Bell, development coach Jeff Calhoon, athletic trainer Jennifer Bardales, strength coach Kevin Rivera, and dietician Kara Beitler comprise Corpus Christi’s 2025 field staff, the Houston Astros announced today. Rivera, the 10th manager in 20 seasons of Hooks
Hooks Announce 2025 Daily Promotions
CORPUS CHRISTI – In anticipation of the full promotional calendar release, the Corpus Christi Hooks, Double-A Affiliate of the Houston Astros, are rolling out daily promotions for the upcoming 20th Anniversary Season, presented by American Bank. Single-game tickets go on sale Friday, February 21. Tuesdays: Start the homestand with the
UCLA, Michigan State, Washington State & Islanders This Weekend at Whataburger Field
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2025 Kleberg Bank College Classic, set for February 21-23 at Whataburger Field, features UCLA, Washington State, Michigan State and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Fans will be treated to a fireworks display following the Bruins-Islanders 4 PM matchup on Friday. Click Here for weekend passes and single-day
Islanders, Jayhawks, Fighting Illini, Wildcats This Weekend at Whataburger Field!
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 2025 college slate at Whataburger Field features Kansas, Illinois, Abilene Christian, Michigan State, Washington State, UCLA and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Visit cchooks.com or call 361-561-HOOK (4665) for tickets. The action begins Friday, February 14 with the first of three consecutive doubleheaders. Illinois and ACU, both making
Hooks Delivering on Valentine's Day
Roses are red, violets are blue, and the Hooks have Valentine's Day covered for YOU! Sammy the Seagull and our Hooks staffers are at the ready to deliver a smile to your special someone. Space is limited. Delivery times are available on a first-come, first-served, basis. Orders cannot be accepted
Islanders and Javelinas Represented at South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet
CORPUS CHRISTI – Monee Montilla and Isaac Webb of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Lindsey Evans and Vincent Sanchez will be honored Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center in recognition of their outstanding 2024 seasons. The South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by Whataburger, is headlined by
Calallen’s Chase Lynch Earns 2025 Matt Beveridge Award
CORPUS CHRISTI – Chase Lynch of Calallen High School is the 17th recipient of the Matt Beveridge Award, given annually to a high school baseball senior student-athlete who exemplifies character, courage, leadership, and spirit. In addition to being recognized Thursday, January 23 at the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, Lynch
Hooks Host 20th Season Block Party Presented by American Bank on January 31
CORPUS CHRISTI – The 20th season of Hooks Baseball in the Coastal Bend is leading off with a bang! The Corpus Christi Hooks are hosting a free Block Party presented by American Bank at Whataburger Field on Friday, January 31 to launch the 20th campaign of Hooks Baseball. “American Bank
Esquivel, Lopez & Chapman Win Baseball Coaches Awards
CORPUS CHRISTI –Falfurrias’ Gus Esquivel and Joe Luis Lopez and Steve Chapman of Calallen will be recognized as the 2024 South Texas Baseball Coaches of the Year on Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. The South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by Whataburger, is headlined by former Hooks
Lentz & Salinas Win South Texas Softball Coach of the Year Honors
CORPUS CHRISTI – Calallen’s Teresa Lentz and Paula Salinas of Veterans Memorial will be honored as the 2024 South Texas Softball Coaches of Year next Thursday, January 23, at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom. Hooks legend and two-time World Series champ Hunter Pence is headlining the South Texas
Banda Tabbed Top South Texas Pro
CORPUS CHRISTI – Former Sinton High School star Anthony Banda is the 2024 Mike Adams South Texas Professional Player of the Year. The World Series champion will be honored at the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, set for January 23 at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom. Hooks legend
Calallen Leads Large School Baseball Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Calallen Wildcats, eyeing a return trip to the 4A state title game, placed the maximum of four representatives on the large school baseball division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team. The honor squad, as voted on by head coaches from 19 area 4A-5A schools,
Hooks Host Job Fair January 14th & 16th
CORPUS CHRISTI – Here’s your chance to work at the ballpark! The Corpus Christi Hooks are conducting a job fair at Whataburger Field on Tuesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 16. Both sessions run 3 to 7 PM and will take place inside the ballpark’s CITGO Cotton Club. Attendees are
London Pirates Pack Small School Baseball All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – The Private-3A Baseball Division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team, comprised of 15 student athletes from 24 Coastal Bend high schools, will be recognized January 23 at the American Bank Center’s Henry Garrett Ballroom as part of the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, presented by
Hooks Announce Big School Softball South Texas Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – Repeat selections Brooke Castillo (Alice), Audrey Diercks (Gregory-Portland), Brookelynn Meador (Calallen), Jordyn Thibodeaux (Calallen), Jada Zepeda (Veterans Memorial), and three-time honoree Demiree Stafford (Tuloso-Midway) lead the large school softball division of the 2025 South Texas Preseason All-Star Team, as voted on by head coaches from 19 Class
SGA & IWA Pace Small School Softball Preseason All-Stars
CORPUS CHRISTI – Three-time honoree Izzy De Los Santos of Sana Gertrudis Academy, along with back-to-back selections Kadence Trevino from Hebbronville and Woodsboro’s Sidney Castillo, headline the Private-3A Division of this year’s South Texas Preseason All-Star Softball Team, as voted on by head coaches from 24 Coastal Bend high schools.
Ken Schrom to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
CORPUS CHRISTI – Former Hooks President and American League All-Star pitcher Ken Schrom will be presented with the 2025 South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. Schrom, 70, has dedicated 43 years of service to professional baseball, including a seven-year
Hunter Pence Returns for South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet
CORPUS CHRISTI – Hooks legend and two-time World Series champion Hunter Pence headlines the 19th South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet, set for Thursday, January 23 at the American Bank Center. Hosted inside the Henry Garrett Ballroom, the event is presented by Whataburger and honors Coastal Bend baseball and softball standouts
Hooks Drop 2024 Finale
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - A couple of ninth-inning solo home runs secured Midland's 5-2 victory over the Hooks Saturday afternoon before 3,045 fans at Whataburger Field. After surrendering two first-inning markers, Joey Mancini recorded nine straight outs, with three coming via strikeouts. Meanwhile, Colin Barber leveled the game at