Rays Dirty Dozen: SP Depth Leads Rays into 2016

Snell continues to dominate as he moves up the minor league latter. (Credit: Shoreline Area News)

MINOR LEAGUE BUT MLB READY DEPTH

LHP Blake Snell – 23 years old

When we look to the 2016 rotation, the most enticing aspect is what Snell could bring to the rotation if and when he gets the chance. As the most dominant LHP in the minors – and possibly the best pitcher in the minors as per BA who named him the minor league player of the year for 2015 – he holds more promise than any Rays pitcher since David Price was in their system. We’d go as far as to say that if the Rays stay the course and keep all of their pitching in-house, Snell could still force Moore to the pen because he could outmatch him in 2016.

We’ll provide our complete analysis of his stuff when he’s posted on our Top 50 Prospects list, but needless to say that he’s ready and that his 134 IP in 2015 make him a possible workhorse in 2016. In short, having Snell in the system, proven to the AAA level at such a young age and ready to compete in The Show is a blessing that few teams in MLB have to lean on, and the Rays will likely take advantage of it from June onwards as they work to prevent a possible Super Two status.

Next: One of the best RHP prospects at #9