Xavier Edwards becomes the latest Rays top-10 prospect to join the Durham Bulls

Xavier Edwards, a dynamic switch-hitting infielder currently listed as the seventh-best prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays organization according to MLB.com, joined the Durham Bulls on Tuesday. He is set to make his Triple-A debut this week as Durham begins a 12-game homestand with a six-game series versus the Charlotte Knights.

Edwards was the 38th overall pick by the San Diego Padres in the 2018 MLB Draft. In his first two seasons in the Padres organization, he spent time at four different levels of the Padres organization before being dealt to Tampa in a December 2019 trade along with OF Hunter Renfroe in exchange for OF Tommy Pham and INF Jake Cronenworth. After spending time at the alternate training site in 2020 due to injury, Edwards appeared in 79 contests with Double-A Montgomery last season. While with the Biscuits, he hit .302 with a .377 on-base percentage in 291 at bats while driving in 40 runs.

With Edwards’ promotion, three of the top seven Rays prospects according to MLB.com are now on the Bulls’ roster. Top ranked prospect RHP Shane Baz is currently with Durham as part of an MLB Rehab Assignment, along with outfielder Josh Lowe, the Rays’ second-best prospect.

Edwards’ first appearance with the Bulls will also be his season debut, as he has yet to suit up in 2022. In 247 career games he has posted a .320 average with 156 runs, 39 doubles, 12 triples, one homer and 86 RBI, along with 11 walks and a .390 on-base percentage, adding 75 steals.

The Bulls begin their 12-game homestand on Tuesday evening against the Charlotte Knights. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35pm. Tickets for tonight and all remaining 2022 home dates can be purchased by clicking here.