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Former Rays top prospect shines in Dominican League playoff opener

ByMason Stacy|
Jun 23, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Vidal Brujan (7) waits for the ball as Kansas City Royals left fielder Dairon Blanco (44) slides into second base in the fifth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Jun 23, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Vidal Brujan (7) waits for the ball as Kansas City Royals left fielder Dairon Blanco (44) slides into second base in the fifth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

The Rays have had many top MLB prospects in recent years from the notorious Wander Franco (MLB No. 1 in 2021) to the Rays young starting pitcher, Taj Bradley (MLB No. 20 in 2023). Some of them live up to their potential, while others join a different club through trade packages.

Vidal Brujan (MLB No. 50 in 2021) was a player that never quite worked out in a Rays uniform. As Tampa Bay's No. 4 prospect in 2021, the swift middle infielder received many chances to show his worth at the highest level with the Rays. However, from 2021-2023, Brujan had a miserable .157 AVG with only nine stolen bases.

Vidal Brujan shows off his great contact abilities in Dominican League playoff game

The 26-year second baseman is now a member of the Cubs after an offseason deal between Chicago and Miami. After spending only one lackluster season with the Marlins, they sent him to the NL Central club for another struggling hitter in Matt Mervis. Although, Cubs fans may be celebrating early after watching the Dominican speedster show off on a big stage in the LIDOM playoffs.

Despite his scuffles in the major leagues, Vidal Brujan had one of his best games with the Estrellas Orientales from San Pedro de Macoris. Brujan is originally from San Pedro, so the comfort level may certainly play a role in his success. Nevertheless, the contact-first infielder went 3-for-3 against the Leones del Escogido of Santo Domingo.

The Leones roster contains current Rays phenom, Junior Caminero and he displayed his stellar skill set with two hits in their 4-0 loss. Brujan stole the show though, with his three hits and one run, as he scored on Robinson Cano's two-run home run in the 1st inning.

This win for the Estrellas was potentially the first of many in this Round Robin tournament. There are still plenty of games to be played, as the tournament goes until January 21st. After the Round Robin segment, the winner will attend the 2025 Caribbean Series against the four winners of every league.

The January 3rd contest between the Estrellas and the Tigres del Licey will also feature former Rays catcher, Francisco Mejia. It will be interesting to watch them face off against each other, as they were once seen to be the future in Tampa Bay.

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