Chandler Simpson: Rising Through the Ranks of Rays Defense
Tampa Bay Rays’ Centerfield Challenge
The Tampa Bay Rays have long set the standard in Major League Baseball (MLB) for defensive excellence in centerfield, thanks to talents like Kevin Kiermaier and Jose Siri. Their ability to cover ground and convert what could be hits into routine outs has made the Rays a model of defensive prowess. From 2016 to 2024, no team has matched Tampa Bay’s impressive outs-above-average metrics in centerfield.
Simpson’s First Stint: A Learning Experience
However, rookie Chandler Simpson faced a steeper climb than anticipated during his initial time with the Rays this season. Posting a negative outs-above-average total, Simpson was reassigned to Triple-A Durham in late May for development. The focus was clear: he needed to enhance both his fielding technique and his abilities at the plate.
Signs of Improvement
In just over a week since his recall, there are already promising indicators that Simpson’s hard work is paying off. During a recent road trip, he showcased improved defensive skills, making multiple highlight-reel catches and demonstrating better jumps on balls both over and in front of him.
Manager Kevin Cash praised Simpson’s progress, stating, “He’s made some nice plays. It’s a work in progress… I’ve seen him get better jumps, better reads, and it just looks more comfortable out there.”
Learning the Ropes
Simpson’s journey to the big leagues hasn’t been long; he was drafted in the second round in 2022 and has only played 169 games in the minors. Following his demotion, he collaborated with coach Tyler Ladendorf to better understand reading the ball off the bat, relying less on speed and more on skill.
- Key Areas of Focus:
- Reading swings and the flight of the ball.
- Choosing the right routes without hesitation.
- Understanding game situations—knowing when to dive or hold back.
Simpson explained, “Just being able to lock in on game situations, where I need to dive, when not to dive… honing in on every part of the defensive end.”
Positioning for Future Success
While he spent time playing left field in Durham, the Rays’ coaching staff views him primarily as a centerfielder moving forward. Cash has confirmed that Simpson will continue to play centerfield, with Jake Mangum, a more seasoned fielder, shifting to left.
“When we called Chandler back up, we kind of gave the message to him and everybody that he’s going to play centerfield,” Cash emphasized.
This strategy aims to expedite Simpson’s acclimatization to the Major League level, enhancing his comfort and performance in the field.
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Chandler Simpson stands at a pivotal moment in his career with the Tampa Bay Rays. As he continues to refine his skills and gain confidence, observers can anticipate exciting developments from this emerging star in centerfield.