Tampa Bay Rays 2019 Draft: Previewing the Rays’ first 5 selections

Pick #36
The Tampa Bay Rays’ second pick of the draft comes in the form of a Competitive Balance Round A selection. The Rays are said to be possibly targeting college bats in this draft which means that we could see them target an outfielder from Missouri or a first baseman from UCLA. The options will be aplenty early on. Here are just a few of the Rays options:
Hunter Barco, LHP, The Bolles School (FL)
- MLB 200 Rank: 34
If the Rays save some slot money with their first round selection, they could possibly pry Barco away from his University of Florida commitment. The 6’4” 212 pound southpaw is raw but he has touched 94 at times. Though he was a two-way player in high school, Barco is expected to focus solely on pitching moving forward at which time he could see a real improvement in his stuff.
Josh Wolf, RHP, St. Thomas HS (Tex)
- MLB 200 Rank: 36
He might be gone by the 36th pick of draft thanks to a fastball that has reached 97 MPH, but if he is still available expect the Rays to give Wolf a long look. He also features a good 12/6 curveball and a changeup that has impressed at times.
Seth Johnson, RHP, Campbell
- MLB 200 Rank: 31
If Johnson is available at 36, expect the Rays to jump on him. New to pitching, the strong junior has already touched 98. He needs polish but the Rays can take a chance on his electric arm with another selection just picks away.
Kameron Misner, OF, Missouri
- MLB 200 Rank: 200
If he falls to 36, the Rays might feel compelled to select the Mizzou junior who many believe to have 20-20 power and speed. If they are indeed looking for college bats, Misner is surely on their radar.