Three Rising Rays Pitching Prospects to Watch

The Tampa Bay Rays have three promising starting pitchers in the lower levels of their minor league system, each making significant strides this season. As they bolster their prospect statuses, these players have enhanced their chances of securing long-term roles as starters. While each has its risks, they currently project as potential backend starters with room for growth. Given their development, it wouldn’t be surprising to see any of these pitchers included in trade discussions as the deadline approaches.

RHP Jacob Kisting, acquired from the Twins in exchange for Eric Orze during the offseason, stands out at 6’5” with a low 3/4 arm slot. His four-seam fastball typically sits in the low 90s, but its low release height and above-average carry allow it to reach hitters quicker than expected. Though neither of his fastball variants is projected as more than a fringy offering based on pure stuff, Kisting possesses a solid feel for his two-seamer and has two average secondary pitches: a cut-slider and an offspeed pitch that features good fade and velocity separation. His adeptness at manipulating the shape of his offspeed pitch adds depth to his arsenal. With impressive whiff and strike rates in Bowling Green this season, Kisting appears poised for a promotion to Montgomery, provided there are available innings. His ability to maintain command will be crucial for him as he aims for a role as a middle-to-backend starter.

Meanwhile, Aidan Cremarosa has captured attention with a no-hitter this season while pitching in Charleston. The 6’3” right-hander throws from a 3/4 slot, utilizing plus extension to enhance the perceived velocity of his low 90s fastball. He displays great feel for a low-70s breaking ball that he can effectively locate for strikes, but his standout pitch may be his low-80s offspeed offering, which boasts solid movement and excellent velocity separation from his fastball. Additionally, Cremarosa complements his arsenal with a low-80s cut-slider that generates weak contact and plenty of strikes. Currently projected as a backend starter, his physical projection hints at the potential for increased velocity, possibly elevating him to a number three starter in the future.

Lastly, Blake Morgan has made a strong impression early in his professional career. At 6’1”, this left-handed pitcher employs a high arm slot and features three pitches: a low 90s fastball, a low 80s gyro breaking ball, and a low 80s offspeed pitch. Although his fastball and breaking ball are considered fringy, Morgan’s unique arm slot and plus command keep hitters off balance. His most effective pitch is the offspeed offering, which features plus fade from his high release point, providing excellent velocity separation from his fastball. Morgan’s ability to throw strikes gives him a solid foundation as a backend starter, with the potential to develop into a Jeffrey Springs-type pitcher if he can diversify his breaking ball repertoire.

The Rays have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for identifying and developing offspeed pitches in recent years, a trend reflected in the promising trajectories of their pitching prospects. As the trade deadline looms, any of these three pitchers could become attractive targets for other teams. However, if they remain within the organization, they each have the potential to reach the major leagues by 2028.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.