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Tampa Bay Rays Send Two to MLB Futures Game

By David Hill

Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West pitcher Brent Honeywell of the Tampa Bay Rays during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West pitcher Brent Honeywell of the Tampa Bay Rays during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The MLB Futures Game during All Star Week will double as a look into the Tampa Bay Rays future. Two Rays prospects will be heading down to Miami to participate.

The future appears to be bright for the Tampa Bay Rays. Not only are they in the thick of the Wild Card chase, but the Rays prospects are starting to find their way to the majors. Jacob Faria has made an immediate impact since his arrival in Tampa Bay, and the Durham Bulls starting rotation may well be the best in the minors.

Given the talent that the Rays have in the minors, it makes sense that they would be represented in the MLB Futures Game. That is indeed the case, as top pitching prospect Brent Honeywell and shortstop Lucius Fox will be heading to Miami to participate in the contest.

Despite a relatively inconsistent season, Honeywell has still been impressive this year. Pitching at the AAA level for the first time, Honeywell has had his struggles, but has still flashed his potential to dominate. Armed with a five pitch arsenal, fronted by his screwball, he has posted a combined 8-7 record with a 4.43 ERA and a 1.316 WHiP. However, it is his 103 strikeouts in 81.1 innings, with just 22 walks, that has cemented Honeywell as one of the top arms in the minors.

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Over on the World side will be Lucius Fox. Acquired as part of the Matt Moore trade, Fox failed to appear in a game in the Rays system last season due to injury. This year, he is making up for lost time, with a .285/.360/.364 batting line. While he may not be a power hitter, Fox does have 11 doubles while stealing 22 bases for Bowling Green. He certainly appears to be a prototypical leadoff man for the future.

These selections also show the overall depth in the Rays system. Honeywell may end up making his Rays debut at some point this season, while Fox is a few years away. Nonetheless, the talent throughout the Rays minor league system is undeniable.

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The future is bright for the Tampa Bay Rays. Should Brent Honeywell and Lucius Fox take the field int he Futures Game, we will get to see a brief glimpse of what could be.

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