$Evaluating The Tampa Bay Rays\' Top 10 Prospects Going Into 2016 Spring Training$

Evaluating The Tampa Bay Rays' Top 10 Prospects Going Into 2016 Spring Training

By Bryan Zarpentine

The Tampa Bays Rays may rely on young players coming up from their farm system and making a difference in the big leagues more than any other franchise. After being absent from the postseason the last two years, the Rays need their farm system to make an impact in 2016. Heading into the season, here are Tampa Bay’s top 10 prospects.

$Evaluating The Tampa Bay Rays\' Top 10 Prospects Going Into 2016 Spring Training$

← Tip: Use keyboard arrows to navigate →

Richie Shaffer, First Base — Shaffer is ready to compete for a bench spot on the Rays' roster and brings plenty of power to the table. If he performs, there's a chance he could make a case for being the everyday first baseman.

Mikie Mahtook, Outfield — Mahtook was great during a brief big league performance last season and has little left to prove in the minors. He's a little down on the depth chart right now, but he's a viable option in the outfield if the Rays need him.

Daniel Robertson, Shortstop — Robertson had a nice season in Double-A in 2015, hitting .274/.363/.415, but he has to keep proving himself at shortstop defensively. He should handle Triple-A offensively and could earn a September promotion to the big leagues.

Casey Gillaspie, First Base — Gillaspie isn't yet to Double-A, so he won't figure into Tampa Bay's plans for 2016. But he has the potential to be a long-term solution at first base in a year or two, as Gillaspie has big-time power that has already started to show up in games.

Garrett Whitley, Outfield — Whitley's skill set is great and his upside is high, but his poor pro debut confirms that his development will be slow and steady, meaning the Rays will have to wait a few years for his promise and talent to pay off.

Willy Adames, Shortstop — Adames is another potential long-term solution at shortstop for the Rays, but he remains a couple years away. He has a chance to hit for both average and power, but he has to continue to prove he has the range to play shortstop.

Jake Bauers, First Base — Bauers is at least another year away from the big leagues, but he's proven to be a solid hitter and versatile defender. If the power comes in the next couple years, he could fill a role for the Rays at first base or a corner outfield spot.

Taylor Guerrieri, Pitcher — Injuries and a suspension have held back Guerrieri, but his strong performance last year indicates that those are behind him and he's well on his way to becoming a solid mid-rotation starter. He may only be a year away from the big leagues.

Brent Honeywell, Pitcher — Honeywell cruised through A-ball last year, and while he won't reach the majors in 2016, he's on a good track. With a good fastball and an exceptional screwball, he's poised for success at the big league level.

Blake Snell, Pitcher — Snell emerged as one of the best left-handed pitching prospects in baseball last season and is now on the cusp of the big leagues. If he can keep it up in 2016, it won't be long until he joins Tampa Bay's rotation.

Teams in this article »

Tampa Bay Rays

Share On Facebook

Share