Rays utility infielder is a man on a mission this spring as he looks to crack roster

Nobody could've predicted that Rays middle infielder Curtis Mead would be the best offensive player so far in spring training. However, as we near the conclusion of February, the Australian athlete is on an absolute tear. He currently has an .889/.900/2.233 slash line in nine at-bats and he's even flashed his power with a solo blast over the Green Monster replica against the Red Sox.

The 6'1 infielder is also noticeably stronger as he's gained 20 pounds of muscle since last season. That alone proves his determination going into the 2025 campaign. Curtis Mead will be fighting for a bench roster spot alongside fellow utility-man Richie Palacios, Jose Caballero, Ben Rortvedt, and Eloy Jimenez. Rortvedt and Caballero are likely locks due to their backup roles at essential positions in shortstop and catcher.

Therefore, it comes down to Palacios, Jimenez, and Mead for two spots on the Opening Day roster. Palacios' energy and ability to play multiple positions makes him extremely valuable. Eloy Jimenez is coming off of a down year with the White Sox and Orioles, but the 28-year old's power potential is always threatening. Although, he has begun his spring a mere 1-for-8 and his swing hasn't looked too hot.

On the flip side, Curtis Mead is 8-for-9 and all of those hits were earned through hard contact. The 24-year old has also played three different infield positions as he's even seen some time at first base already. His defense isn't top-notch, but he displays a respectable glove. The offensive upside is what the front office has been waiting for from Mead. Many people thought last year would be his breakout season, but what it may be 2025 instead.

There are high expectations for this young infielder as his minor league stats have been second to few. Mead carries a .298/.372/.505 slash line from down on the farm. He's also swatted 54 homers over his minors career. Hopefully, something clicks for him this season and he becomes the trusted everyday infielder that scouts have predicted he would be.

However, his MLB stats have been rather insufficient, as he's hit .244 with only two home runs so far. Those numbers were accrued over 62 games, so he'll have to perform much better to be considered a successful major leaguer. Well, if his 2025 spring training is any foreshadowing of this coming season, then we're in for an entertaining campaign.