Behind the plate, Flewelling is as tough as they come-a trait likely honed from his years on the hockey rink until age 14. At the plate, he’s no slouch either, boasting a .393 on-base percentage across Single-A Charleston and High-A Bowling Green last year. And with his 20th birthday not until November, he’s already showing maturity beyond his years.
Flewelling played a pivotal role in the Rays’ 2-0 victory over a Mets prospects squad during the Spring Breakout showcase at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Not only did he drive in the Rays’ first run, but he also caught five innings in just the second nine-inning shutout in the event’s brief history.
Reflecting on the experience, Flewelling remarked, “It was really cool to be able to share the field with those guys and learn about pieces of their game that I can bring into my game.”
Drafted in the third round of the 2024 Draft out of St. Joseph High School in Red Deer, Alberta, Flewelling has quickly become a favorite within the Rays organization. Despite the usual bumps and bruises of catching, he’s learned how to manage a full season’s workload and develop a strong mental game.
Rays assistant GM Kevin Ibach praised Flewelling’s leadership and maturity, noting how well he fit in with veteran players. “Really enjoyed seeing him on this platform, on this stage,” Ibach said.
Now, let’s talk about some web gems. Brayden Taylor, a former Top 100 prospect, is eyeing a bounce-back season. He worked two walks, stole third base, scored a run, and showcased his defensive prowess at third base, highlighted by snagging a 100.5 mph shot in the ninth inning.
“Brayden showed a national audience how good he is defensively,” Ibach noted. Despite struggles at the plate last year, Taylor’s defensive skills have remained sharp.
On the mound, hard-throwing right-hander Jose Urbina, the Rays’ No. 17 prospect, showed off his electric stuff in a three-inning start. Urbina allowed just three hits, struck out three, and threw 33 of 49 pitches for strikes, touching 99.3 mph in the first inning.
“I’ve caught him before, but he was on one tonight,” Flewelling said, highlighting Urbina’s ease on the mound.
Right-hander Anderson Brito, Tampa Bay’s No. 6 prospect, also impressed with his fastball, handling the final three innings and striking out three on 36 pitches. Brito’s fastball reached 97.6 mph, and he navigated through baserunners with poise.
“It’s a guy we saw prior to the trade as having elite arm strength and can spin a breaking ball,” Ibach said, praising Brito’s ability to challenge hitters from the get-go.
In the infield, Adrian Santana showcased his slick fielding at second base, adding a single, double, and walk to his stat line. He shared duties with Daniel Pierce, the Rays’ No. 5 prospect, who stepped up when top prospect Carson Williams was called to the big league team.