3 surprises in MLB Pipeline's top 30 Rays prospects for 2025

MLB Pipeline recently released the top prospects in the major leagues and for each individual team. The analysts' detail-oriented decisions couldn't have come easy and some players on each club's top 30 list may have caught some fans by surprise. However, there is always a reason for a young player to be included in a prestigious list like this, so let's look further into the most surprising top 30 prospects in the Rays farm system.

1. Maykel Coret (Rays No. 25 prospect)

17-year old outfielder Maykel Coret was signed by the Rays in the international draft this offseason. The young Dominican phenom was the No. 9 ranked player in the international draft, so the Rays were very fortunate to acquire him. Although, it is rather surprising that he has leaped into the top 30 prospects list in the Rays system before even suiting up for a minor league team. That must prove just how highly regarded Coret is to the Tampa Bay organization.

Needless to say, he could potentially be a generational talent as he already stands at 6'4 and displays top-notch speed and power. The defense is also well-polished at such a young age. Maykel Coret has been clocked at a remarkable 96 mph from the outfield. If this kid is everything that has been advertised, then Rays fans are in for a treat in about three or four years.

2. Matthew Etzel (Rays No. 27 prospect)

Matthew Etzel was selected in the 10th round of the draft by the Baltimore Orioles. However, he would only complete one full season in their system as he was traded to the Rays in the Zach Eflin trade. Prospects tend to get overlooked in trades that include major pieces like the Rays 2024 Opening Day starting pitcher. Etzel may have also been overshadowed by another prospect return in that trade. Rays No. 14 prospect Jackson Baumeister was another player in that deal, along with infielder Mac Horvath.

In 2024, Etzel performed very well for the Orioles and Rays minor league systems as he finished the year with a .272 AVG and 11 home runs. Despite the success, his time with the Rays was much less productive as he hit .232 with five homers in 36 games with the Montgomery Biscuits. In 20 at-bats this spring, Etzel is hitting a lackluster .150 with three hits and one home run. Regardless, the 22-year old outfielder has proven himself as a high quality prospect with a bright future.

3. Will Simpson (Rays No. 30 prospect)

The Rays acquired first baseman Will Simpson from the Athletics in the Jeffrey Springs deal. Ths 23-year old infielder is another prospect that is yet to wear a jersey as a member of the Rays organization, but he does have one full minor league campaign under his belt.

In his 2024 season, Simpson was promoted to Double-A Midland and produced an impressive .348 AVG in 18 games. He also collected six extra-base hits and nine RBIs in that sample size. The Rays decided not to invite the Virginia native to spring training this year, but his pure hitting talent will make him a valuable prospect in the Tampa Bay system.