Tampa Bay Rays Midseason Awards

Tampa Bay Rays Biggest Surprise: Logan Morrison

Last season, Logan Morrison struggled with the Tampa Bay Rays. His hoped for power never really materialized, and Morrison was a barely league average first baseman with the bat.

Resigned on February 7th to a one year deal, Morrison was considered to be nothing more than a placeholder for either Jake Bauers or Casey Gillaspie. When Bauers had his torrid Spring Training, Morrison’s leash seemed even shorter. However, once the regular season began, the embattled first baseman did not stop hitting.

One of the five players in the Final Vote for the All Star Game, Morrison has been a revelation. While he may not be hitting at the same rate he was in April, he has continued to punish the ball this season. Overall, Morrison has a .258/.367/.564 batting line, with a career best 24 homers. Morrison has gone from a placeholder to a key part of the Rays offense.

Chances are, with his production this season, he has priced himself out of Tampa Bay next year. Given that several teams are in desperate need of a first baseman, Morrison could well cash in on the open market. But for the time being, the Rays will get to enjoy his powerful bat in the middle of the lineup, as they look to get even closer in the AL East.

Chances are, the Rays did not expect a lot from Logan Morrison. He has certainly been a pleasant surprise in the first half.