Since 2006 the Tampa Bay Rays has only drafted two prospects that will definitely be on the team in 2017. Evan Longoria and Kevin Kiermaier are certainly gems but shouldn’t there be a few more for a team that is built on prospects.
Most of those who are gone were weeded out in the lower minors, but did the team give up too early on young players like Richie Shaffer and Mikie Mahtook who were just reaching the major leagues? Let’s take a look at the their potential and the deals that moved them along.