Even with Charleston becoming their Class A Florida State League affiliate in 2021, the Rays still boast an impressive system. Many non-highly drafted amateur prospects are making rapid strides forward with both pitching and hitting potential.
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Bradley was taken in the fifth-round out of high school due to his strong body and projectable skillset, including up to 96 mph fastball velocity with an excellent slider.
Charlotte Stone Crabs
The Rays' Class A-Advanced affiliate in Florida, the Stone Crabs, finished second in their division this season with a 74-62 record and served as a launchpad for many top prospects like Jesus Sanchez and Lucius Fox.
The Tampa Bay Rays enjoy a deep connection to Port Charlotte since moving from Vero Beach to Charlotte Sports Park in 2009. Since then, their presence in Port Charlotte has become an attraction and contributor to its economy.
As part of their relocation from Vero Beach to Charlotte, they brought with them manager Jim Morrison from Vero Beach as well as several staff members. Since moving, the Stone Crabs have become active members in five local area chambers of commerce in Charlotte and Sarasota counties and sponsored many non-profit organizations in both counties, contributing over $100,000 in donations to community programs while being founding members of Baseball Initiative, an international initiative which promotes community ownership of professional baseball teams.
Blake Snell
Blake Snell is one of the premier prospects in baseball. A powerful pitcher with exceptional control, Blake has made waves in the minor leagues while looking poised to break out as an MLB starter. His pitches can often dominate games.
The Charleston RiverDogs are the Tampa Bay Rays low-A affiliate and play at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park in Charleston, South Carolina. Established in 1997 and with affiliations with other MLB clubs dating back to then – including James Shields and B.J. Upton as past players – these RiverDogs have produced many top players including James Shields and B.J. Upton among many more.
The Rays have found success using their deep farm system to field competitive major league teams, relying on depth to produce young, talented players in exchange for high-end talent on the free-agent market – an approach which stands in stark contrast to other organizations' overzealous pursuit of superstars.
Xavier Adames
The Rays have not just established an impressive farm system; they're also creating one with seamless talent integration. Outfield prospects Xavier Adames and Hunter Renfroe should form one of the premier power platoons in minor-league ball. Middle infielders Daniel Robertson and Brandon Lowe look likely to become above-average major-leaguers as well.
Pitching has also been a strength. Blake Snell has shown great promise as a pitcher and will begin the 2019 season at Triple-A Durham. Additionally, Brad Boxberger and Kyle Farquhar provide Tampa with reliable relievers in its bullpen.
The Tampa Bay Rays' new affiliate in North Augusta, South Carolina represents an impressive upgrade over their former Midwest League Class A Bowling Green Hot Rods affiliate in Bowling Green. The Augusta GreenJackets play at Greenville County Stadium while The Rays also own Rookie Florida Complex League and two Dominican Summer League teams.
David Velazquez
Velazquez may have struggled in the big leagues last season, but he remains an excellent prospect to become an everyday starting shortstop in time. Although his bat remains raw, making contact and possessing plus speed. Furthermore, his glove plays up nicely too.
Other prospects to keep an eye on include SS Ryan Brett, RF Luke Maile, CF Justin O'Conner, CF Nick Ciuffo and C Rafelin Lorenzo in the system. LHP Jeremy Milner stands out among pitchers; his fastball has struck out more than one batter per inning at Triple-A Durham.
This offseason, the Rays made an improvement to their low-level Class A affiliate by inviting Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs from San Francisco Giants affiliation into their organization. This step came as part of a restructuring that saw Florida State League affiliate being cut and advanced Class A affiliation shifted from Bowling Green, Ky. to Midwest League.