Rays New Additions and Potential Draft Picks

Rays Recent Prospect Acquisitions:

The Tampa Bay Rays made some acquisitions this past week that had them receiving a couple young right-handed arms. The first pitcher in return is Andrew Moore. Moore is 23-years-old with the majority of his innings pitched are in the minors. He has accumulated 367.1 total innings pitched (5.1 with Durham) with most them coming in Seattle’s farm system. He also adds 59 innings pitched at the major league level (which actually takes away his prospect status as he’s over 50 IP). His minor league ERA is a low 2.74 while his major league ERA is a high 5.34. His strikeout total is 325 and 31. Moore will get an opportunity to pitch with the Rays at some point thin season due to a thin rotation. Projections have him has a back-end starter to a middle relief bullpen option. The younger of the two pitchers has high upside with his potential. 20-year-old right hander Tommy Romero joined Montgomery a few days back with much excitement for Rays fans. The former JUCO pitcher has tallied 90.2 innings and a 2.18 ERA. He has swing and miss stuff that support his 109 strikeouts. Look for Romero to join the big-league club within a 1 to 2-year window with the potential of being a mid to front end starter.

Potential Draft Picks

The 2018 MLB player draft is less than a week away. The following players have been linked to possible 1st round picks for the Tampa Rays. Two of the following players are high school guys and one currently pitches for the University of Florida.

Brice Turang: SS, Santiago H.S. (California) This right-handed bat shows plus speed and is a natural infielder. He makes all the routine plays while making the more difficult plays seem routine as well. His quick feet allow him to get his body behind the ball when it is hit to either side of his body. He has above average plate discipline and stays within the strike zone which allows him to be a pure hitter.

Cole Wilcox: RHP, Heritage H.S. (Georgia) 6’5 UGA commit shows a plus fastball and changeup. The fastball sits 91-94 and his changeup sits 81-84. His fastball will show some sink as it reaches the plate. His slider still needs some developing but will clock in the low 80’s. A good player comp for Wilcox is Gerrit Cole.

Photo Credit via GatorCountry

Jackson Kowar: RHP, University of Florida. The former 40th round pick of the Tigers could not pass up a full ride to the U of F in 2015. It has paid off for the 6’6 right hander. His fastball touches 98 and is complimented by a plus changeup. His breaking ball was below average entering his freshman year and is now considered as an average pitch. The growth of Kowar speaks volumes to the player development of the Gators coaching staff.

I'm Aaron Schuck, covering all things about the Tampa Bay Rays minor league system. I currently live in Monticello, GA where I teach high school and coach basketball. Even though I coach basketball, please do not let that fool you that I'm only a basketball guy. My love for baseball is very strong. I will watch or attend a baseball game over a basketball game any day of the week. My goal is to provide our readers with interesting and informative information that involves everything in the Rays minor league system. Give me a follow on Twitter @bbbaseball101 and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments or ideas on the Rays.




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