One of the most intriguing teams to watch for during the 2025 season is the Tampa Bay Rays. This also includes the fact that they’ll be playing at Steinbrenner Field, the Spring Training facility of division rival New York Yankees. But it is more so the roster that will be trotted out onto the field.

The Rays did not do a ton when it comes to big splash moves, which is normal. They did sign catcher Danny Jansen, who does add some pop and is good behind the plate. Also, they added infielder Ha-Seong Kim, the former Padre. So, reinforcements are here, but this team is highlighted by the youth.

This is the year Junior Chaminero breaks out as a star. After seeing a small sample size of him in 2024, you saw how special he was. Also, you are hoping other guys take the next steps as in Christopher Morel. But if there is a young player that could be on the way or to watch for, it’s Chandler Simpson.

The Cog in the Rays Machine

There is something to be said about the machine that is the Rays. When it comes to pitching, their method of development is like no other and somehow they always managed to churn out new and good pitching talent. They have good player development overall and that bleeds into the position players. The latest is Simpson, who according to Fangraphs is ranked 72 in the top 100.

Let’s start about him positionally. He is a player that legitimately can play all over the outfield. Since entering the Rays system, he has played left field, right field, and also has gotten some looks in center field during Spring Training. In their tilt against the Red Sox this past weekend, he went on to make two stellar plays that managed to capture the attention of viewers. Wonderful, they have their next Kevin Kiermaier, who’s going to be a problem for batters hitting the ball in his direction.

CHANDLER SIMPSON, MY GOODNESS 🤯

The @RaysBaseball center fielder uses his 80-grade speed to rob Marcelo Mayer of extra bases on an all-out dive: pic.twitter.com/IRFdl0644o

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) February 22, 2025

The best part about these plays is his blazing speed. Simpson is lightning fast, and his reaction time to getting over to the spot of the ball and making the play was astonishing. Per Fangraphs, they have him as an 80-grade runner and is built for speed, like Lightning McQueen. This is a guy whose speed can be an average as a fielder and as a hitter. His ability to steal bases and be a weapon on the base paths could be crucial for a Rays offense that needs playmakers and electrifying talent. For context; Simpson stole 104 bases across the minor league systems in 2024.

Let’s dive into his hitting. He is not an extra base machine, but is a player that makes contact and gets on base. Not to mention, he generated more walks in 2024 (144) than he did in 2023 (112), so his ability to get on base is great. It was also his first stint seeing Double-A action, so he made crystal clear progress in his development.

What’s also good about Simpson, is that he showed significant strides as a hitter and his numbers reflected that. His average went from .293 to .355, OBP from .373 to .410, slugging from .345 to .397, and his OPS from .718 to .808. Progress is being made and his ceiling and sky high.

For his 2025 projections, he is projected to slash .285/.335/.348/.683. Also, he is pegged to be a league average bat, which bodes well for that Rays offense.

The Rays have turned a new leaf and are retooling their roster, but the youth shining through is going to be really fun to watch. Oh, and Rays ace Shane McClanahan is returning so that’s fun.