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Prospects in the Rays' 2020 player pool from the Appalachian League

In loaded system, Franco among prospects knocking on the door
By Kelsie Heneghan
July 13, 2020

As part of the new rules for the 2020 Major League season, each of the 30 organizations will maintain a 60-man player pool for the duration of the campaign. Some members of the player pool will feature on the active Major League roster while others will work out at an

As part of the new rules for the 2020 Major League season, each of the 30 organizations will maintain a 60-man player pool for the duration of the campaign. Some members of the player pool will feature on the active Major League roster while others will work out at an alternate training site in the hopes of staying fresh for a potential callup or getting in much-needed development time.

The MiLB.com staff is rounding up the notable prospects in each organization’s 60-man player pool and analyzing what the new system will mean for their 2020 seasons.

Over the past five seasons, the Rays have worked their way back to become a contender in the American League East, all the while building an empire of top prospects.

Wander Franco (Princeton 2018), SS: Baseball's top prospect could make his Major League debut at the age of 19. It's unlikely, given Willy Adames’ foothold at shortstop and Franco’s lack of experience above Class A Advanced. But bringing the switch-hitter to Summer Camp leaves the door open. Franco, of course, has an 80-grade hit tool and plus skills across the board. In his first full Minor League season, the native of the Dominican Republic batted .327/.398/.487 in 114 games as he ascended to top prospectdom in 2019. In limited action at big league camp this year, he went 2-for-7 with an RBI, a run scored and a strikeout.

Shane Baz (Bristol 2018, Princeton 2018), RHP: In the most unique situation, Baz is getting his first experience at a big league camp. The 21-year-old joined the organization in August 2018 as part of the Chris Archer deal with the Pirates. After a couple shaky starts immediately following the trade, Baz hit his stride in 2019. With a 70-grade fastball and 65-grade slider, the Rays' No. 5 prospect (No. 90 overall) went 3-2 with a 2.99 ERA, 87 strikeouts and 37 walks over 81 1/3 innings in 17 starts for Class A Bowling Green. While Baz turned 21 last month, he has only 157 1/3 frames under his belt, none at the upper levels, so it's not likely he'll be called upon this season. But it should be a great opportunity to soak up time with more experienced pitchers, as he was able to do in the Fall League last year.

Shane McClanahan (Princeton 2018), LHP: During Spring Training I, McClanahan made a strong impression for a callup this summer. Now that he's on the 60-man roster, his bid continues. Drafted 31st overall in 2018, he cruised through his first full season, going 11-6 with a 3.36 ERA, 154 strikeouts and 45 walks over 120 2/3 innings in 24 games -- including 22 starts -- as he climbed from Class A to Double-A Montgomery. This spring, McClanahan picked up valuable information from locker room neighbors Blake Snell and Charlie Morton while impressing Cash with his combination of upper-90s fastball and unhittable breaking ball. It's a 1-2 punch he very well could use against Major League hitters this summer.

Josh Lowe (Princeton 2016), OF: Rays fans were introduced to Nate Lowe last summer, and now they have a chance to meet his younger brother. The 2016 first-rounder flexed his plus speed with Montgomery, swiping 30 bases in 39 attempts. Coupling those wheels with a plus arm and fielding tools, Lowe is a force in center field. The left-handed hitter also found his power in 2019, drilling a career-high 18 homers in 121 games for the Biscuits. He got even stronger in the AFL, hitting .327/.379/.558 in 15 contests. In a system loaded with infielders, Lowe is one to watch on the grass.

Ronaldo Hernandez (Princeton 2017), C: As the organization’s only ranked catcher, Hernandez stands as the Trop’s backstop of the future. With that comes the idea there's no need to rush him. As it stands, the 22-year-old is the fifth catcher on the depth chart, so the value of his summer most likely will be found in working with the Rays' top pitching prospects in Port Charlotte. Hernandez, the club’s No. 11 prospect, shuts down runners with a 70-grade arm, throwing out 39 percent of would-be basestealers last year in the Florida State League. At the plate, he has the potential to hit 20 homers.

Other notables: Although he struggled in his first taste of Triple-A last year, Josh Fleming (Princeton 2017) (No. 28) is a rotation possibility. The southpaw notched a 3.38 ERA in four spring appearances.