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.
St. Louis Cardinals Organist Jeremy Boyer and Mascot Fredbird Coming to Memphis for Battle of the Birds at AutoZone Park
MEMPHIS, TN – The Memphis Redbirds are bringing the sounds and spirit of Busch Stadium to AutoZone Park! The Redbirds are excited to welcome St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues organist Jeremy Boyer, along with the legendary Cardinals mascot, Fredbird, for the Battle of the Birds on March 24.
Redbirds and AutoZone Park Welcome OVG Hospitality as New Food and Beverage Partner
MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Memphis Redbirds have announced an exciting new partnership with OVG Hospitality, a premier provider of food and beverage services for sports and entertainment venues nationwide. This partnership is set to enhance the game-day experience for fans at AutoZone Park by offering elevated and diverse food and
Ben Johnson to Return as Redbirds Manager in 2025
MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that Memphis native Ben Johnson will return for his record sixth season as manager of the Memphis Redbirds. During the 2024 season, Johnson led the team to a 74-74 record, with eight players joining St. Louis and making their MLB debut.
"Battle of the Birds” Returns: St. Louis Cardinals to Play Memphis Redbirds
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (November 4, 2024) – The St. Louis Cardinals are set to return to AutoZone Park in Downtown Memphis for an exhibition game against their Triple-A affiliate, the Memphis Redbirds on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 6:15 pm CT. This year’s “Battle of the Birds” will be the 11th
Redbirds wrap up 2024 season with victory over Bulls
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds concluded the 2024 season with an 8-6 win over the Durham Bulls (Triple-A, Tampa Bay Rays) on Sunday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Memphis jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first inning. The frame was capped off by a first baseman Chandler Redmond
Memphis dominates Durham on Grizzlies Day
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued the final homestand of the season with an 8-0 win over the Durham Bulls (Triple-A, Tampa Bay Rays) on Sunday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Shortstop Arquimedes Gamboa smacked a grand slam in the fifth inning to solidify the victory. Gamboa went 2-for-4 with
Redbirds offense explodes late in comeback win over Bulls
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued the final homestand of the season with a 8-5 win to the Durham Bulls (Triple-A, Tampa Bay Rays) on Friday night at AutoZone Park. Down two runs in the seventh inning, Memphis rallied for three runs in the frame to take its second
Mathews surpasses 200 strikeout plateau in loss to Bulls
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued the final homestand of the season with a 4-0 loss to the Durham Bulls (Triple-A, Tampa Bay Rays) on Thursday night at AutoZone Park. Left-handed pitcher Quinn Mathews, in his first professional season. needed three strikeouts on Thursday night to reach 200 on
Memphis overcomes early deficit to defeat Durham
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued the final homestand of the season with a 5-4 win over the Durham Bulls (Triple-A, Tampa Bay Rays) on Wednesday afternoon at AutoZone Park. After Memphis fell behind 4-0 after the top of the second, the Redbirds rallied with two outs in the
Memphis starts final homestand with loss to Durham
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds began the final homestand of the season with a 3-1 loss to the Durham Bulls (Triple-A, Tampa Bay Rays) on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park. The Memphis offense struggled to get anything going in the loss. The Redbirds went down in order over the
Redbirds wrap up road slate with loss at Sounds
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds concluded a four-game road trip with a 2-1 walk-off loss the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) on Sunday night at First Horizon Park. The Redbirds only source of offense came in the form of a third baseman Cesar Prieto solo home run in the
Redbirds fight back late, get walked off at Sounds
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game road trip with a 5-4 walk-off loss the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) on Friday night at First Horizon Park. Memphis scored two runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night to tie the game. Third baseman Nick
Memphis controls game two of series at Nashville
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game road trip with a 6-3 win over the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) on Wednesday night at First Horizon Park. Right fielder Matt Koperniak set the tone for the Memphis offense with a 4-for-5 night out of the second spot in
Gorman smacks two homers to lead Redbirds past Sounds
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds began a six-game road trip with a 5-3 win over the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A, Milwaukee Brewers) on Tuesday night at First Horizon Park. Second baseman Nolan Gorman powered the Memphis offense in the first two innings to take a commanding 5-0 lead. The left-handed
Redbirds drop series finale against Storm Chasers
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds concluded a six-game homestand with a 3-2 loss to the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A, Kansas City Royals) on Sunday afternoon at AutoZone Park. Second baseman Cesar Prieto led the Memphis offense in the loss. The left-handed hitter went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI
Memphis homers its way to victory over Omaha
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game homestand with an 8-3 win over the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A, Kansas City Royals) on Friday night at AutoZone Park. Memphis mashed three home runs to take control of Friday night’s game. Right fielder Matt Koperniak smacked a first-pitch home run
Redbirds sweep doubleheader against Storm Chasers
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game homestand with a doubleheader sweep over the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A, Kansas City Royals) on Thursday night at AutoZone Park. Memphis took game on 3-1. The Redbirds grabbed the lead in the bottom of the third inning on a first baseman
Three-run second not enough as Redbirds fall to Storm Chasers
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds began a six-game homestand with a 13-3 loss to the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A, Kansas City Royals) on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park. Memphis jumped out to an early 3-0 lead thanks to a three-run second inning. The Redbirds grabbed the lead on a
Memphis falls short in series finale at Iowa
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds concluded a six-game road trip with a 7-6 loss to the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Sunday afternoon at Principal Park. The Memphis offense clubbed a pair of home runs and out-hit Iowa in the loss. Shortstop Thomas Saggese went 4-for-4 with a
Sisco drives in five in first Redbirds game to lift club past Cubs
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game road trip with a 10-8 comeback win over the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Saturday night at Principal Park. With two outs, two on and Memphis down a run, catcher Chance Sisco clubbed a game-winning home run to dead center
Mathews strikes out seven in Triple-A debut as Redbirds lose at Cubs
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game road trip with a 6-2 defeat loss to the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Friday night at Principal Park. Starting pitcher Quinn Mathews (0-1) made his Triple-A debut on Friday night at Iowa. The left-handed pitcher allowed three runs on
Rain rests Redbirds rout of rivals
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game road trip with a rain-shortened 18-2 defeat of the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Thursday night at Principal Park. Before rain abruptly ended the game at the end of five innings on Thursday night, the Memphis offense broke out of
Gorman homers as Redbirds drop game two of series at I-Cubs
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds continued a six-game road trip with a 4-2 loss to the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Wednesday afternoon at Principal Park. Designated hitter Nolan Gorman supplied the only Memphis offense of the afternoon with a two-run home run in the top of the
Redbirds drop series opener at I-Cubs
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Redbirds started a six-game road trip with a 4-3 loss to the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs) on Tuesday night at Principal Park. Trailing 4-0 in the top of the sixth inning, left fielder Matt Koperniak came to the plate with the bases loaded. The
Redbirds announce Grizzlies Day festivities for Sept. 21
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Grizzlies Day returns to AutoZone Park as the Redbirds give free Grizzlies-themed jerseys to the first 5,000 fans on Saturday, Sept. 21. Fans who arrive early can meet Grizzlies standout forward GG Jackson II during a pregame autograph session on the concourse prior to him throwing the