The Tampa Bay Rays optioned rookie outfielder Chandler Simpson to Triple-A Durham on May 30, shortly after reinstating Jake Mangum from the injured list. While the decision wasn’t based on performance alone—Simpson hit .285 with 35 hits and 19 stolen bases over 35 games—it reflected a roster squeeze as Tampa Bay’s outfield picture changed rapidly.
The Tampa Bay Rays have reinstated OF Jake Mangum (left groin strain) from the 10-day IL and optioned OF Chandler Simpson to Triple-A Durham.
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) May 30, 2025
Simpson made his debut on April 19 and gave the Rays a much-needed jolt of energy. He reached base in 28 of 35 games and immediately caused problems for opposing pitchers with his speed.
No Rays baseball today, so here’s a minute of Chandler Simpson’s clutch moments from his first 8 games in the MLB pic.twitter.com/0Bkzh8Jy9R
— Jake (@TBRaysCentral) April 28, 2025
His offensive profile mirrored what he showed in the minors: low strikeouts, high contact, and speed-first pressure.
During his time in the majors, only Luis Robert Jr. and Bobby Witt Jr. stole more bases—and both had been in the big leagues the entire season. Simpson’s 19-for-22 showing on the bases ranked third in MLB over that stretch, putting him in rare air despite playing less than six weeks. While power remained absent—he slugged just .317 with four doubles and no home runs—his legs gave Tampa Bay a different kind of offensive threat.
With Josh Lowe healthy, Mangum returning, and Travis Jankowski nearing the end of his rehab stint, the Rays’ outfield became increasingly left-handed and crowded. Simpson, also a lefty hitter, posted a .690 OPS against righties but struggled to a .509 OPS against left-handers. After mid-May, he was no longer starting against southpaws. Meanwhile, right-handed bats like Jose Caballero and Christopher Morel gave the team better matchup flexibility off the bench.
He also handled all three outfield spots during his stint, most often playing left field while Kameron Misner started in center. Statcast metrics show he logged 284 innings in the field without an error.
This move doesn’t appear to be about service time. Because Simpson debuted in late April, he won’t reach the 172 days needed for a full year of service in 2025. His eligibility for Super Two arbitration won’t be known until after the 2027 season. The Rays’ decision seems based more on roster fit than on contract timing—though they still retain full team control over Simpson through the 2031 season.
The Rays’ outfield situation has been in constant flux. Jonny DeLuca remains on the 60-day IL, Richie Palacios is still sidelined, and Dru Baker was traded in late May. Simpson may have been temporarily squeezed out, but his standout performance—particularly on the basepaths—didn’t go unnoticed.
The Chandler Simpson Experience:
Walks
Steals 2nd Base
Steals 3rd Base
Scores on E2Kachow⚡️ pic.twitter.com/i9be8Ng2db
— MLB (@MLB) May 30, 2025
Given Simpson’s elite speed, disruptive baserunning, and low-strikeout, high-contact approach, he remains a likely candidate for recall—especially as rosters expand late in the season.
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Tampa Bay Rays’ Chandler Simpson runs during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Tampa, Fla.
