Over the offseason, the Draybay group takes half in an train by which we compile an inventory of 30 prospects within the Rays system based mostly on standard 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 kick off the evaluations at #30.
30. Erick Lara, SS
Lara is an 18-year outdated infielder signed by the Miami Marlins as a global free agent through the 2022-2023 signing interval. He made his skilled debut in 2023 and hit effectively within the Dominican Summer time League. The Rays made certain to accumulate Lara within the commerce that despatched Vidal Brujan to the Marlins final November. This previous January, Baseball America tabbed Lara as a possible breakout prospect within the Rays system on account of his offensive potential and projectability but additionally famous that he had ‘huge threat’ as effectively.
Earlier than the Season
17 | BT: L/R | 6’ 2” | 165
2023: DSL | .305/.416/.445 (.861 OPS, 133 wRC+) 154 PA, 2 HR, 5 SB
The most recent teenage commerce acquisition for the Rays, Lara is a 17-year outdated 6’2” shortstop with a free, left handed swing with really feel. With a prospect this far off, it’s an open query as to how his physique will fill out, however he’s obtained a strong method on the plate and sufficient bat velocity to supply a distant energy projection. He’s anticipated to get the promotion to the advanced league for his age-18 season.
The way it Went
Erik Lara moved stateside for the 2024 season, enjoying the complete 12 months within the Advanced League. The facility that Lara showcased within the Dominican in 2023 eluded him throughout his 33 video games this Summer time as he hit simply .167/.290/.222 with 0 HR and 5 stolen bases, registering a 52 wRC+. Among the many 202 gamers within the CPX with at the least 130 plate appearances, Lara had the ninth lowest wRC+.
A constructive from Lara’s Summer time was his constant capacity to attract walks with a median strikeout price. Lara simply turned 18 in June, so there may be nonetheless loads of time for the Rays to attend on his growth, nevertheless it’s truthful to say that his first season with the Rays group was a disappointment.
Remaining 2024 StatlineCPX: .167/.290/.222 | 0 HR | 5 SB | 22.7 Okay% | 15.2 BB% | 52 wRC+ | 132 PA | 33 Video games
And right here’s a take a look at Erick Lara who was additionally acquired on this deal. He’s solely 17 and thrived within the DSL this 12 months.
Has the abilities the play on the infield, stands at 6’2”, and reveals good plate expertise and a few pop. Numerous high quality projection traits herepic.twitter.com/h4jiEI9ejN
— Rays Metrics (@RaysMetrics) November 18, 2023
