Chandler Simpson’s Defensive Journey with the Rays: A Positive Turnaround

Overview of the Tampa Bay Rays’ Defensive Legacy

TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Rays have long sets the standard for defensive excellence in Major League Baseball, especially in centerfield. Since the introduction of Statcast metrics, no team has matched the Rays’ ability to secure outs above average, primarily due to outstanding performances from players like Kevin Kiermaier and José Siri. This stellar defensive history raised expectations when rookie Chandler Simpson joined the fold.

The Expectations for Chandler Simpson

Simpson’s initial stint with the Rays this season left fans and management alike surprised, as he recorded negative outs above average. Recognizing the need for improvement, the Rays decided to send him back to Triple-A Durham in late May to refine his fielding skills and improve his approach at the plate.

Development Focus Areas

• Fielding Techniques: Enhancing his ability to read plays and cover ground effectively.
• Hitting Strategy: Working on drawing walks and being patient at the plate.

Signs of Improvement

Just a week after his recall, Simpson has already begun showing signs of progress:

• Highlight-Reel Catches: During the recent road trip, he executed several impressive catches that demonstrated his improved anticipation and positioning.
• Manager’s Recognition: "He’s made some nice plays," stated Rays manager Kevin Cash, highlighting Simpson’s progress. "It’s a work in progress, and we know the version of him right now will be much better by the end of the year."

Key Improvements Observed

• Jumping on Balls: Demonstrated better reactions to plays, illustrating a newfound comfort in his defensive role.
• Coach Engagement: Continues to work closely with coach Michael Johns to fine-tune his skills.

Training Regimen in Durham

When demoted to the minor league, Simpson took the opportunity to intensively work on his game:

• Reading the Ball: He focused on identifying swings and adjusting his positioning based on the batter.
• Decision-Making: Learned when to take risks, such as diving for a catch or backing off to prevent injury.

"We worked on everything, from reading swings to taking the right paths," Simpson shared, emphasizing his dedication to improving his craft.

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Future Role within the Rays Organization

Despite his minimal professional experience—having started just 169 games in centerfield throughout his minor league career—the Rays are committed to developing Simpson in this pivotal role.

Positioning Strategy

• Sticking with Centerfield: Manager Cash confirmed that Simpson will continue to play centerfield to capitalize on his positional experience.
• Playing Time: The Rays aim to increase Simpson’s comfort level and understanding of the game at the major league level.

Conclusion

Chandler Simpson’s journey with the Tampa Bay Rays reflects both the challenges and opportunities faced by young players in Major League Baseball. With a strong emphasis on training and mentorship, Simpson is on a promising path to becoming a key component in Tampa Bay’s defensive lineup. Fans can look forward to more exciting plays and developments as he continues to grow in his role.

For more updates on Chandler Simpson and the Tampa Bay Rays, stay informed through the latest news on ESPN and MLB.