Over the offseason, the Draybay neighborhood takes half in an train by which we compile an inventory of 30 prospects within the Rays system based mostly on widespread vote.
Now that the 2024 season has concluded, we will look again at these rankings and see how every particular person participant carried out.
We’ve already coated
We resume the critiques at #24.
24. Dru Baker
The Rays chosen Dru Baker within the 4th spherical of the 2021 draft resulting from his above common capability on the plate and potential to be a plus defender. Throughout his first three years within the group, he showcased precisely that skillset, together with some suprising pop as he hit 14 HR in the course of the 2023 season. His 2023 breakout led to him gaining a spot as one of many prime 30 prospects within the system.
Earlier than the Season
24 | BT: R/R | 5’ 11” | 205
A+ | .307/.396/.491 (.887 OPS, 144 wRC+) 377 PA, 13 HR, 38 SB
AA | .287/.346/.417 (.763 OPS, 105 wRC+) 127 PA, 1 HR, 11 SB
Again to again seasons the Rays promoted 2021 4th rounder Baker mid-season after he dominated his stage, and each occasions he turned in a league common efficiency on the subsequent stage. From a instruments perspective, he’s a proper handed Colton Ledbetter that trades exit velo for extra stole bases. His protection has projection in heart, however he must preserve the strikeouts down as he continues to climb the ladder. His best path to the majors is in a bench position.
The way it Went
Somethings improved for Baker and different issues simply disappeared. Scouts have been shocked by Baker’s 14 HR in 2023, and it appears these longballs could also be an outlier. Over the course of the 2024 season, Baker hit ZERO homeruns and had a .328 SLG%; his 0.40 ISO was the 2nd lowest within the minors amongst hitters with no less than 400PA, with even fellow Biscuit Chandler Simpson possessing a greater ISO. Nevertheless, Baker did put up a 20.6 Okay% which is healthier than common and definitely one thing scouts anxious would enhance along with his promotion to Double-A and he additionally racked up 42 stolen bases.
Ultimate 2024 StatlineAA: .288/.344/.328 | 0 HR | 42 SB | 20.6 Okay% | 7.3 BB% | 103 wRC+ | 467 PA
Ballot
Dru Baker’s prospect inventory
