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.
Cat Chat | Episode 7 (International Women's Day) | March 8, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - March is upon us! March is #WomensHistoryMonth and Saturday, March 8, we celebrate International Women's Day. On this week's edition of Cat Chat, Chris Jared catches up with three of the women in the Fisher Cats front office to discuss their roads to New Hampshire and the
Fisher Cats Foundation Announces Inaugural Fairway Classic, Presented by Delta Dental
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats proudly announce the inaugural Fisher Cats Foundation Fairway Classic, presented by Delta Dental. The event will take place at Stonebridge Country Club in Goffstown, New Hampshire on Monday, May 5, and features an opportunity to play alongside Fisher Cats players and coaches,
Fisher Cats Announce Space Potatoes Alternate Identity
MANCHESTER, NH – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, proud Double-A partners of the Toronto Blue Jays since 2004, launched their alternate identity, the New Hampshire Space Potatoes, on Wednesday, February 19. With rooted history beyond baseball in New Hampshire, the Space Potatoes take the field for three nights in 2025,
Cat Chat | Episode 6 (Adam Macko) | March 1, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Spring Training is in full swing, and with MLB's Opening Day less than four weeks away, the 2025 season approaches quickly on the horizon. On the sixth installment of Cat Chat, 2024 Fisher Cats pitcher Adam Macko joined us to discuss his Triple-A promotion towards the end
Brent Lavallee to Lead Fisher Cats in 2025
MANCHESTER, NH – On Thursday, February 13, the Toronto Blue Jays released all their Minor League coaching staff assignments for the 2025 season. For the first time since 2021, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats feature a fresh face at the helm. Brent Lavallee becomes the 12th Fisher Cats manager since
Cat Chat | Episode 5 (Space Potatoes) February 21, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - The New Hampshire Space Potatoes invaded Minor League Baseball on Wednesday, February 19 as the Fisher Cats' newest alternate identity. The Space Potatoes will take the field for three dates in 2025 (April 19, July 18, August 30), and on Episode 5 of Cat Chat, Chris Jared
Cat Chat | Episode 4 (Manager Brent Lavallee) | February 14, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Opening Day 2025 in Manchester felt a little bit closer when the Toronto Blue Jays released the full Fisher Cats coaching staff for the 2025 season on Thursday, February 13. Brent Lavallee is the newest of the now 12 Fisher Cats managers to roam the top step
Cat Chat | Episode 3 (RJ Schreck) | February 7, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Continuing to ride the wave of Cat Chat, RJ Schreck (TOR No. 27, MLB.com) joins Chris Jared this week to talk about RJ's journey from Harvard-Westlake to Duke to Vanderbilt, draft day theatrics, trade deadline madness, golf swinging motions to a baseball swing and more! Seattle selected
Cat Chat | Episode 2 (Charles McAdoo) | January 31, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Episode 2 of Cat Chat has arrived! This week, Charles McAdoo (TOR No. 7, MLB.com) joins Chris Jared on the second edition of Cat Chat to talk about the offseason, handling last year's trade deadline, movies, video games, TV shows and more! One of a multitude of
Cat Chat | Episode 1 (CJ Van Eyk) | January 24, 2025
MANCHESTER, NH - Cat Chat Episode 1 is here! Our very first edition of Cat Chat has arrived! CJ Van Eyk joined us to discuss how the 2024 season ended for him, trading cards, golf, fishing, and what he's hopeful for in 2025. Volleying between a starter and bullpen role,
Cat Chat | Toronto Announces 2025 Non-Roster Invitees to Dunedin
MANCHESTER, NH - With just a few weeks to go before Major League camps open in Florida and Arizona, Minor League players are receiving invitations to report. Many of these players are not on the official 40-man rosters but will have an opportunity to play in Spring Training games. Top-level
Fisher Cats Name Taylor Fisher as General Manager
MANCHESTER, NH – On Friday, December 6, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, announced Taylor Fisher as the organization’s fifth General Manager since the club’s inception in 2004. Born and raised in Merrimac, MA, Fisher earned his Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance &
Outfielder Dasan Brown Snags Rawlings Gold Glove
MANCHESTER, NH — On Monday, November 4, Minor League Baseball announced New Hampshire outfielder Dasan Brown (TOR No. 23, MLB Pipeline) as one of Rawlings' 2024 MiLB Gold Glove winners. The 23-year-old Brown recorded 226 putouts and six outfield assists in 100 games between Vancouver and New Hampshire in 2024
First Pitch is Set - Fisher Cats Announce 2025 Home Game Times
MANCHESTER, NH – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced all home game times for the upcoming 2025 season on Thursday, October 31. The 2025 Fisher Cats home schedule at Delta Dental Stadium features 69 home games, including Opening Night on April 4 against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Download the full
Pardinho Named to Eastern League All-Star Roster
MANCHESTER, NH — On Tuesday, September 24, the Eastern League announced its' All-Star roster and award winners for the 2024 season. In his first season in Double-A, New Hampshire's Eric Pardinho received one of two available Eastern League reliever spots, along with Akron's Andrew Walters (CLE). A 23-year-old from São
Fisher Cats’ 2024 Season Concludes
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Somerset Patriots (43-25, 74-62) secured the Eastern League Northeast Division second half title with a 5-1 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (23-45, 52-84) Sunday at TD Bank Ballpark. The Fisher Cats wrapped up the 2024 season in sixth place in the Northeast Division. Somerset
Cats Score First But Fall to Pats
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (22-45, 52-83) dropped 2024’s penultimate contest to the Somerset Patriots (42-24, 74-61) at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, 3-1. New Hampshire struck first, but couldn’t keep the momentum rolling afterwards, as the Cats were blanked through the last eight innings. New Hampshire
Strong Bullpen Effort Falls Short
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (22-44, 52-82) were blanked by the Somerset Patriots (41-24, 73-61) at TD Bank Ballpark on Friday night in a 3-0 final. The Fisher Cats bullpen tossed 8 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball. New Hampshire brought the tying run to the plate in
Gatos Feroces Victorious Thursday
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-43, 52-81) beat the Somerset Patriots (40-24,72-61) at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday night, 5-3. The Cats rode the right arm of Devereaux Harrison and the bats of Rainer Nuñez and Gabriel Martinez to the victory. The Fisher Cats played their last
Cats Lose Macko’s Return to Double-A
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-43, 52-81) fell to the Somerset Patriots (40-24,72-61) at TD Bank Ballpark on Wednesday night, 8-2. Fisher Cats lefty Adam Macko returned for his first Double-A start since July 2. The Patriots and Fisher Cats began Wednesday’s game with a moment of
Somerset Series Begins with Cats Loss
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-42, 51-80) couldn’t match the bats of the Somerset Patriots (39-24, 70-61) in the opener of the final series of 2024, losing 8-2. After plating two runs in the third, New Hampshire was blanked for the final seven innings. Somerset right fielder
New Hampshire Falls in Home Season Finale
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats dropped their final home game of 2024 on Sunday afternoon to the Portland Sea Dogs, 8-5. Yohendrick Pinango knocked his first Fisher Cats (21-41, 52-78) homer to tie Sunday’s series rubber match in the bottom of the second inning, a three-run home
Swirling Rain Caps Cats Loss in Seven
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-40, 51-78) dropped their Saturday contest to the Portland Sea Dogs (39-23, 75-56) in six and a half innings, 7-1. A sudden gust of winds and rain delayed Friday’s game amidst the top of the seventh inning, which was later declared a
Spain’s Homer Not Enough in Friday Loss
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-39, 51-77) dropped their second consecutive contest to the Portland Sea Dogs (38-23, 74-56) at Delta Dental Stadium on Friday night, 3-1. Garrett Spain posted New Hampshire’s lone run in the bottom of the ninth with his 11th home run of the
Late Cats Rally Falls Short
MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (21-38, 51-76) fell to the Portland Sea Dogs (37-23, 73-54) at Delta Dental Stadium on Thursday, 4-1. Portland jumped ahead on three runs in a messy top of the seventh. The loss snapped the Fisher Cats’ three-game win streak. Sea Dogs starter