1 Rays minor leaguer shockingly left off spring training invite list

Drafted in the 30th round by the Texas Rangers, Evan Reifert has always been underrated. As a graduate of the lesser-known North Iowa Area Community College, Reifert is certainly used to being overlooked. However, we're shocked to see him left off of this year's spring training invite list after all of the impressive statistics he's posted over the years.

The 26-year-old Evan Reifert started his professional career in the Milwaukee Brewers system and posted impressive strikeout numbers as he punched out 103 hitters over only 60 innings. Despite these standout numbers, Milwaukee felt the need to improve their offensive capabilities, so they traded Reifert for 2020 postseason hero, Mike Brosseau.

The Rays front office must be pleased with his deal, especially with the likelihood of Brosseau losing his role to All-Star third baseman Junior Caminero. Also, Reifert has continued to perform at each level, posting a 7-2 record in his first season with the Rays organization. Within that one campaign, the Iowa native was promoted twice as he ascended to Double-A Montgomery rather swiftly.

Reifert put icing on the cake for his 2022 portfolio as he tossed 11.2 perfect innings as a member of the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League. 2023 saw less success for the 6'4 hurler, but it was mostly due to an unfortunate shoulder ailment that held him to a measly seven innings of work.

He returned to his regular production level the following season as he finished with an incredible 1.96 ERA in 41.1 innings, ultimately leading to his promotion to Triple-A Durham. A couple minor injuries limited Reifert's 2025 season, but he still performed about as well as one could ask. All in all, the right-handed reliever's 3.06 career ERA would play fabulously in the big leagues especially considering his 296 strikeouts.

If we compare Evan Reifert to some of the non-roster invitees for this year's spring training, he seems to have excelled above most of them, especially the ones with limited to no major league service time. Despite this disappointing decision, Reifert is slated to have another impressive season in the Rays farm system. After taking him in last season's Rule 5 draft, the Nationals returned Reifert to the Rays because they lacked a role for him within their organization. This could be a blessing down the road, especially if he continues to improve as a MLB-ready relief pitcher.