The Tampa Bay Rays have exceeded all expectations and are currently in postseason position. They are bringing back their No. 7 prospect, Chandler Simpson, after optioning him to Triple-A on May 30.
Simpson being sent down was quite a shock. He was slashing .285/.315/.317 in 35 games. His slugging percentage was not the best and he struggled a bit defensively, but he was still making an impact on the game. According to MLB.com’s Adam Berry the Rays are excercising their option on Kameron Misner and expect Simpson to take his spot.
In 16 games in Triple-A since he was sent down, he slashed .366/.416/.465 with three doubles and two triples. He also stole 11 bases. Simpson had stolen 19 bases in his short time in the big leagues and was among league leaders at the time of his demotion. He is one of the fastest players in baseball and can do serious damage on the basepath.
The Fastest Home To 1B Times In Major League Baseball pic.twitter.com/bqzGqsHf8u
— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) June 23, 2025
The Rays’ outfield alignment could change if Simpson figures to be a regular player again. Jake Mangum could end up seeing more time in center field and Simpson could slot in in left for defensive reasons, according to Berry. Josh Lowe still figures to see most of the time in right field. Christopher Morel and José Caballero also figure to see some time in the outfield, but the starting outfield will most likely be Lowe, Mangum and Simpson.
The Rays are closing in on the struggling New York Yankees in the American League East. They are one of the hottest teams in baseball and just added a difference maker back into the lineup.
WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
Photo: Tampa Bay Rays’ Chandler Simpson is congratulated after scoring during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)
