Rays: 16 Things to Look Forward To in 2016

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Mar 9, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Taylor Motter (69) works out before a spring training baseball game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Number Nine Thing to Look Forward to: Zobrist Jr, Taylor Motter

If the Rays OF falters or the Rays have an injury that requires someone to play 2B/SS/OF, Taylor Motter will be ready to step in and provide at least 4 tools, if not 5, to the Rays OF, including some outstanding defensive capabilities at all three outfield positions. We recently looked at exactly what to expect from Motter in our Top 50 Prospects ranking, where we placed him 13th and noted that he has spent time in LF, CF, RF, 2B, SS, and 3B.

Not only have he been able to handle the switch of positions, but he actually relishes it and knows it means putting in extra work that may not be required of other players. He handles RHP well and crushes LHP, provides great speed with 26 SB in 2015, and he has a full season of AAA time behind him.

With limited bench options that Managers have to work with, someone like Motter can prove to be invaluable to the team’s success. That’s also why Ben Zobrist was so highly sought after this offseason. Of the players currently in AA or AAA, Motter has the most potential to help the Rays out in 2016 and could prove invaluable to the team from that time onwards.

We’re truly looking forward to seeing him in TB and hope he does well enough to break out of spring training with the team, as tough as that will be to accomplish.

Next: Number Ten Thing to Look Forward to: Snell, Faria, and Guerrieri