Erik Neander and his staff at Tampa Bay are renowned for creating one of the deepest farm systems in all of minor league baseball – but more importantly they know how to maximize prospects' value.
https://www.managed-it-tampa.com/what-are-tampa-bay-minor-league-teams
The Rays currently boast seven domestic and two Dominican Summer League affiliates, with Bowling Green Hot Rods serving as their high-A team.
1. Curtis Mead
As Mead made his Gulf Coast League debut, his chances of reaching Major League Baseball seemed remote; most Australian hitters who reach professional ball fail to advance.
But Mead keeps hitting. At 22 years old, the infielder compiled an incredible.298/.390/.532 line in 76 games between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham last season and could serve as an early contributor for Tampa Bay in 2023.
The Rays acquired Mead from the Phillies in November in a deal that may seem minor but was significant for their farm system. He's an esteemed top 25 prospect (BASKETBALL world), possessing both contact and power tools with equal strength.
2. Jonathan Aranda
Aranda has excelled despite spending three seasons at the back end of the Rays' farm system, consistently performing at Bowling Green after an outstanding winter league campaign and now inching closer towards reaching the majors.
Aranda has proven himself an exceptional contact hitter with power and speed, as well as being capable of stealing bases at an impressive clip. Last month he presented Rays outfielder Manuel Margot with some difficulty when they both went back-to-back at-bats against each other.
2021 draftee Zach Clark is one of the organization's rising prospects, having combined to hit.310/.325/.515 in 115 games between Charleston and Double-A Montgomery this season – showing exceptional versatility he could potentially reach the big leagues this year!
3. Kyle Manzardo
The Rays' pro scouting department is well-recognized for being among the finest in baseball, boasting an outstanding talent pool at minor league level. Thanks to a combination of top international signings and draft picks, they were instrumental in turning Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena into major-leaguers.
Kyle Manzardo has made quite an impressionful first professional impression during his rookie campaign in 2021's second-round draft class, posting impressive stats between Single-A Charleston and High-A Bowling Green between.290/.357/.487 with advanced approach and keen eyes at bat.
Manzardo shares many similarities with Vinnie Pasquantino and should get dynasty owners excited. There's a good chance he could make his major league debut by 2023.
4. Brett Wisely
The Tampa Bay Rays farm system comprises seven Minor League Baseball franchises in both the U.S. and Dominican Republic, four of which operate independently while two belong to their parent organization; these include Rookie Florida Complex League Rays and High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods respectively.
Bradley was a star performer for Tampa Bay last season, dominating hitters on two levels while possessing potential to become one of their top starters soon. Seymour has an outstanding fastball-curveball combination that could propel him quickly into major-league play; Williams offers an eclectic combination of loud tools at second base.
The Montgomery Biscuits are the Class AA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and play their home games at Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. Established in 2004 as Columbus Catfish before changing names in 2008 to Montgomery Biscuits – this club began life in 2004!
5. Shane McKay
2021 Rays draftee Alex Bregman brings some exciting bat-first tools to his profile as he advances within their system. Last season despite suffering through injuries he produced an impressive 143 wRC+ with his bat remaining an asset regardless of position he plays in their system.
Last season, this two-sport star took his professional baseball debut and posted a.258/.379/.517 line between Single-A Charleston and High-A Bowling Green. Thanks to his impressive athleticism, plus speed combination and impeccable instincts he is one to keep an eye on for both fantasy managers and dynasty managers alike as the Rays advance their pipeline.
The Rays' top-10 prospects (not counting injured Wander Franco) have all been promoted to AA, making this an exciting time to own the farm.