The Rays are heading into September with a lot to like and a few obvious spots where a young player could give them a jolt. Tampa Bay has the best record in the American League, and even after the trade deadline came and went, there’s still room for more help from inside the organization.
That’s especially true because the Rays did make a move to upgrade the lineup by adding Liam Hicks. They also still have plenty of talent in the system, even after dealing away some prospects. With October getting closer, three names stand out as possible call-ups before the season ends.
Morgan is one of the cleaner fits if Tampa Bay wants another bat. He hasn’t spent much time in the outfield lately and has appeared to be focusing more on first base, but the bat is the real selling point.
He could give the Rays some help off the bench, though finding steady playing time would be complicated with Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda in the mix. Still, he has hit well in the minors this season and looks close to getting a shot.
Melton is another strong candidate. He was viewed as arguably the top return in the Brandon Lowe trade and came into spring training with a real chance to break camp with the club.
The 25-year-old already has big-league experience, having debuted with the Houston Astros last year, and his Triple-A production has been hard to ignore. With an OPS over .900 in Triple-A, he could be a major addition for a Rays outfield that still has some questions.
Then there’s Hopkins, who drew plenty of attention at the deadline. He was considered a Top 100 prospect in baseball and one of the best talents in the Rays’ system, but Tampa Bay held onto him.
That decision leaves the door open for him to help the pitching staff later in the year. His ability to get hitters to swing and miss could make him a valuable bullpen piece during the stretch run.
In Other News...
Rays Add Infield Help As A Roster Squeeze Suddenly Hits
The Rays are adding another layer to an infield mix that suddenly needed one, agreeing to a major league deal with utility man Jorge Mateo after his release from Atlanta. For Tampa Bay, the appeal is clear: Mateo brings defensive versatility and the kind of baserunning that can change the feel of a game, while also giving the club some much-needed cover as it sorts through the bottom of the roster.
The move comes as the Rays create room on the 40-man roster, with Ben Williamson heading to the injured list and the next step likely forcing another shuffle in the infield. Tampa Bay has been navigating these kinds of roster squeezes all season, and this one could open the door for Mateo to fill an immediate role while the Rays wait to see how the rest of the group settles. [Read more 🡒]
Rays Just Strengthened The Scariest Part Of Their Long-Term Outlook
The Rays did not just pad a contender at the trade deadline, they managed to do it without emptying the cupboard. Already sitting atop the American League standings, Tampa Bay came out of the deadline still widely viewed as the club with the top farm system, according to Baseball America, a rare combination for a team trying to win now and plan for later.
For a franchise that has long built its edge on squeezing value out of every roster move, that is the unsettling part for everyone else in the league. The Rays added help, kept most of their premium young talent intact and left themselves positioned for more than just a short October run, which makes the next few seasons look every bit as uncomfortable for opponents as this one. [Read more 🡒]