The DRaysBay Community Prospect List for 2023 has arrived, and we’re excited to announce the 28th-ranked prospect on the list. Each year, the DRaysBay community comes together to rank the top 50 prospects in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, based on potential impact at the Major League level. This year’s list features some intriguing names, and we’ll be diving into each of them in the coming weeks. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the 28th-ranked prospect on the 2023 DRaysBay Community Prospect List.
The 2023 DRaysBay Community Prospect List No. 28 Revealed!
The 2023 DRaysBay Community Prospect List No. 28 features the player who has been making waves in the Tampa Bay Rays farm system, with potential to be a big-league contributor in the future.
Who is the No. 28 Prospect?
The No. 28 prospect on the DRaysBay Community Prospect List is outfielder Nick Schnell. The Rays drafted Schnell in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft, making him the No. 32 selection overall.
At 6’3” and 180 pounds, Schnell has an athletic build that allows him to play all three outfield positions effectively. He is a left-handed hitter and throws from the right side of the plate, with great power potential.
Why Did Schnell Earn No. 28?
Schnell’s combination of speed, power, and athleticism has impressed scouts and Rays executives. He is ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the Rays organization by MLB.com, and he has also received high marks from other baseball experts.
His performance at single-A Bowling Green in 2019 was promising, with 27 doubles, 4 triples, and 9 homers in 112 games. He also stole 14 bases and drew 54 walks.
Schnell’s potential as an all-around player with speed and power might be precisely what the Rays are looking for as they continue to build their roster for the future.
What Are Some of Schnell’s Strengths?
Schnell’s speed is one of his most prominent strengths. He’s stolen 27 bases in two seasons, and his quickness is advantageous in the outfield for chasing down fly balls. His speed on the basepaths is also a particular asset, as he can cause headaches for opposing pitchers when he gets on base.
Another one of Schnell’s strengths is his impressive bat speed. He generates a lot of power with his swing, which allows for extra-base hits and home runs. His swing mechanics also allow for good plate coverage, making it challenging for opposing pitchers to pitch around him.
What Are Some Areas Where Schnell Can Improve?
While he showed excellent plate discipline in 2019, Schnell could use some improvement in his contact rate. He struck out 153 times in 477 at-bats that year, which is a high number, even for a power hitter.
Schnell may also need to refine his approach at the plate at higher levels of play. Double-A and Triple-A pitchers will likely have a better understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, so he will need to be able to adjust his approach accordingly.
What’s next for Schnell?
If Schnell is to continue his impressive trajectory, he will need to stay healthy and keep up his performance as he progresses through the minor leagues. The Rays will likely have him start the 2021 season at high-A or double-A, depending on his development.
With his current blend of speed and power, there’s a chance that Schnell could make his way to the majors by late 2022 or sometime in 2023. The Rays are excited to see how he develops and how he can help them win in the future.
Conclusion
Nick Schnell has the potential to be an important contributor for the Tampa Bay Rays in the future. His combination of speed and power makes him an intriguing player, and he has already shown promise in the minor leagues.
While he has areas where he can improve, his strengths are impressive, and his trajectory suggests that he will continue to develop into a fearsome hitter. Rays fans should keep an eye on Schnell as he progresses through the minor league system, with the hope that he will soon make a positive impact in the big leagues.
