The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly promoted outfielder Chandler Simpson to the big league club, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports.

“The Tampa Bay Rays are calling up outfielder Chandler Simpson, the fastest man in baseball, sources tell ESPN. Simpson, 24, stole 104 bases in 110 games last year and has eight steals in 17 games along with a .301 batting average at Triple-A this season,” Passan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The ESPN reporter notes that Simpson is the “fastest man in baseball.” Additionally, Simpson's .301 batting average at the Triple-A level suggests he features serious offensive potential. The 24-year-old outfielder doesn't offer much power-hitting prowess — he has hit only one home run in his minor league career — but his speed is intriguing to say the least.

Article Continues Below
More Tampa Bay Rays News
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) reacts after scoring a run against the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Rays’ Yandy Diaz makes bold MLB claim after Royals sweepJosh Davis ·
Wander Franco with police lights behind him
Rays’ Wander Franco found guilty for sexual abuseGuillermo Guajardo ·
Rays, MLB trade deadline, Rays trades, Merrill Kelly, Jake Bird
2 sneaky trades Rays must make to boost World Series chancesCameron Zunkel ·
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (45) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Sternberg
Rays make intriguing move in case it reaches World SeriesZachary Howell ·
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (center) looks on during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Rays’ Kevin Cash provides injury update on pitcher struck in the face by foul ballJosh Davis ·
The Tampa Bay Rays logo on a batting helmet prior to the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Trip Miller Rays
New contender emerges as potential buyer amid Rays saleOwen Crisafulli ·

Simpson has stolen 214 bases across 250 games played at the minor league level. He's going to steal no shortage of bases in the big leagues. The question is whether or not he can produce enough offensive production to become a star. Simpson has hit well in the minor leagues, recording a career .324 batting average. The adjustment to MLB pitching could be difficult, but he's displayed signs of potential without question.

Simpson is the No. 7 overall prospect in the Rays' organization, per MLB.com. He is certainly an exciting prospect between his pure hitting tool and speed prowess.

The Rays have had a number of quality players over the years, but perhaps Simpson can emerge as their next star. If Simpson plays on Friday night, his MLB debut will come during the Rays-Yankees game. Even if he doesn't play on Friday, he will likely make his big league debut against the Yankees, as Friday's contest represents the second of a four-game series between Tampa Bay and New York.

The Yankees defeated the Rays 6-3 on Thursday, so Tampa Bay will attempt to bounce back on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM EST.