5 Rays That Will Surprise Everyone in 2019

By Patrick Davenport

Jan 21, 2019

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 19: Daniel Robertson #28 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a grand slam homerun in the second inning during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 19, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

#2 Wilmer Font

Wilmer Font only had a brief stint with the Rays in 2018 before being struck by the injury bug, but he made a big impression during that time.

Font was a pitcher that had always pitched well in the minor leagues but couldn’t seem to figure things out in the major leagues. Both the Dodgers and A’s pitching coaches struggled to help Font hone his control which led to too many baserunners.

This all changed when the Rays acquired him in late May.

In June, Font’s only full month with the club, Font posted incredible numbers. Over 25 innings pitched, he threw for a 1.80 ERA and a .159 Opp BA. He posted a 1.00 WHIP and miraculously stranded 90.5% of runners on base.

This was reportedly due to a slight change in mechanics implemented by pitching coach Kyle Snyder that involved switching Wilmer’s position on the mound relative to the hitter.

Now fully recovered from his injury, and the potential of a full spring training camp to further refine his command and delivery with Snyder, Font has a lot of potential to be a more than solid back of the rotation starter or bulk reliever.