Over the offseason, the Draybay group takes half in an train by which we compile an inventory of 30 prospects within the Rays system primarily based on well-liked 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 now have already coated #30, Erick Lara.
We resume the critiques at #29.
29. Kenny Piper, C
The 26-year previous Piper was initially chosen by the Rays within the 18th spherical of the 2021 draft. Piper’s energy on the plate is taken into account common at greatest, however has the coveted skill to generate loads of loft in his swing. Since making his debut in 2021, nobody has a better flyball% than Piper. That offensive profile, mixed with an bettering defensive talent set makes Piper a stable catching prospect to observe with Baseball America dubbing him the ‘greatest all-around catcher with an honest bat, framing, and a robust arm’ within the Rays system.
Earlier than the Season
A+ | .216/.333/.458 (.791, 115 wRC+) 270 PA, 13 HR, 3 SB
AA | .293/.389/.610 (.999 OPS, 160 wRC+) 95 PA, 7 HR, 0 SB
The place most hitters battle probably the most when promoted to Double-A, Piper discovered an influence stroke and went on a tear in his age-24 season, belting 7 HR in lower than 100 plate appearances as soon as promoted to Montgomery. Was it merely a sizzling streak, or a reliable enchancment? We’ll have to seek out out. As an 18th spherical draft choose from 2021, Piper might be Rule 5 eligible on the finish of this season, so time is of the essence. The draw right here is plus energy. His lengthy swing is cocked and prepared, and has sufficient velocity to belt to all fields.
The way it Went
It was a battle for enjoying time as Piper shared catching duties with the Rays prime catching prospect, Dom Keegan, in Double-A. Piper carried out properly when given the chance and acquired a midseason promotion to Triple-A Durham, the place he shared catching duties with Rene Pinto and Logan Driscoll. Whereas in Triple-A, Piper struggled some however managed to showcase his energy potential and lowered his strikeout numbers from Double-A.
Piper might be Rule-5 eligible this offseason and may very well be an alluring goal for an opposing workforce, thus the Rays will probably want so as to add him to their 40-man roster this November.
Last 2024 StatlineAA: .217/.317/.382 | 7 HR | 2 SB | 29.6 Ok% | 11.1 BB% | 109 wRC+ | 243 PAAAA: .188/.278/.386 | 5 HR | 3 SB | 28.7 Ok% | 9.6 BB% | 70 wRC+ | 115 PA
