Rays Next-in-line Players, Position-by-Position

Oct 2, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Mikie Mahtook (27) catches a fly ball during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

LF/CF/RF – Mikie Mahtook – 26 years old – MLB

Like Shaffer, Mahtook already has MLB experience behind him and provides great security for the Rays in 2016. He can play all 3 outfield positions well and adds elements in all facets of the game including a great power and speed combination.

LF/CF/RF – Taylor Motter – 26 years old – AAA

If for one reason or another Mahtook falters or injuries occur, Motter can get a look and provide much the same kind of production that the Rays expect from Mahtook. The combination of these two gives the Rays so much athleticism to draw from in 2016 that it mitigates the usual bumps in the road we’ve come to expect from Desmond Jennings.

LF/CF/RF – Johnny Field – 23 years old – AA

Finally, if both of those falter, the Rays can call on Johnny Field who has above-average power and a full season of AA play behind him. Like both Mahtook and Motter, Field can steal some bases, provides pop, and plays solid D in the outfield.

Other: Dayron Varona (AA) was impressive in his first season in the Rays system. At 27, he’s older than most but did manage 27 extra base hits in 277 AB in AA for the Rays after signing in May. He’s a Cuban with lots of experience that could be seen as at least defensively capable and offensively intriguing.

Next: Pitching? A ridiculous amount of quality