3 key takeaways from Rays spring training so far

Spring training tends to be long and arduous at times as fans (and players) look forward to Opening Day, when the outcomes make an impact on the season. However, this time of year is great for figuring out how certain players can possibly fit into the organization. We're going to analyze three main observations that we have taken away from the spring games to this point.

1. Chandler Simpson is the center fielder of the future

Speed. Contact ability. Defense. This 24-year old prospect has shown it all so far this spring and it begs the question: "When will Chandler Simpson be the Rays everyday center fielder?" In a recent interview with Rays announcer Dewayne Staats, Kevin Cash reiterated the fact that Jonny DeLuca will be the Rays everyday center fielder this year pending any unforseen circumstances.

Therefore, what does Simpson have to do to force himself into the conversation? Is there anything for him to do? Potentially, no. If the speedy athlete hasn't forced Cash's hand yet, then he'll likely have to follow protocol and play a season (or half of a season) with the Durham Bulls. There's nothing wrong with that by any means because it is difficult to tell if he really is fully ready for the big leagues, but there's no doubt he's a part of the Rays future plans.

2. Curtis Mead may just force himself into the Opening Day roster

Heading into the 2025 spring training, the roster was mostly settled barring a few bench spots. Many people believed that the most intriguing competition would be between middle infielder Curtis Mead and former White Sox Silver Slugger Eloy Jimenez for the last bench role on the roster.

Well, it's been two completely different tales for these players. Jimenez is currently hitting .133 as he's only collected two hits this spring. On the other hand, Mead is leading all MLB players with a .714 average and 10 hits. The Australian infielder is currently leaving no doubt for the Rays front office as we inch towards Opening Day.

3. Danny Jansen and Ben Rortvedt will make a very good catching tandem

A season ago, catcher was the worst position on the depth chart for the Rays as they finished with a combined average below .200 and less than 10 home runs. However, Erik Neander and company took a huge step towards solving that issue this offseason by signing veteran backstop Danny Jansen. The former Red Sox catcher will team up with left-handed hitter Ben Rortvedt to pull the catching load in 2025.

After watching Rortvedt in his first full season last year and seeing how Jansen has taken control of the role during the spring, we couldn't be more excited for the potential turnaround at this ever-important position. This tandem has the potential to be one of the best ones in the league due to the high level of play that both catchers can perform at.