MLB.com predicts 18-year-old outfielder will be top prospect for Rays in 2027

Does the name Brailer Guerrero ring a bell to you?

If not, hey, that's okay, that's what we're here for. The juvenile 18-year-old outfielder has recently garnered attention for appearing in an MLB.com article claiming he'd be the Rays' top prospect in 2027, so here's a bit more of an in-depth look at his profile and how he fits in with the future of this team.

The good news is that he has one of the best bats in the Rays' system already, as despite being born in 2006 (which can probably make anyone feel really old) he's already ranked as the 4th best prospect in the Rays' system by FanGraphs and 86th overall throughout baseball as of their 2024 updated rankings.

Guerrero was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2023 as an amateur free agent, and has spent his first couple of seasons in the Rays' system in the Dominican Summer League and the Florida Complex League. The young phenom posted an eye-popping 155 wRC+ last season in 126 plate appearances before a problem with his right shoulder sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

He combines that solid bat from the left side with immense power, as he's very physically mature for his age, making his projectability a bit tougher due to the fact that he's already pretty much filled out. However, since his power level is already through the roof (his exit velocity numbers are fantastic), that shouldn't be a hindrance at all.

If you are looking for a player like Carson Williams who can contribute with his glove and an elite athletic profile, Guerrero might not be the prospect to look at, as his speed and glove are both acceptable for a corner outfield spot but unlikely to be a strong suit for the 18-year-old.

Fortunately, he should be able to provide enough pop that any added defensive value he's able to provide will just be the cherry on top to what is already an exciting player, despite his lack of playing time in the Rays' system.

The hope is that with another year of refinement in the lower levels of the Rays' organization that he'll working his way through the minors to make his debut by 2029 or so, when he'll be 22 or 23.

Although, as it's been seen with players like Juan Soto, teams aren't afraid to push their young players through their system if their performances warrant fast promotions. The Rays haven't been afraid to be aggressive with players like Junior Caminero and other young players who have made their debuts as early as 21 years of age.

So, 2029 might be a bit conservative, but for a player with as little playing time as Guerrero has had in organized ball, it's a safe bet.

Regardless, the Rays (surprise, surprise) have another player coming through their minor league system to get really excited about, and this MLB.com article only emphasizes that point.