The Tampa Bay Rays have one of the strongest farm systems in Major League Baseball, and as the 2023 season approaches, the DRaysBay Community has put together its annual list of the organization’s top prospects. This year’s list features an exciting mix of young talent, with players who are poised to make a big impact in the years to come. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the No. 30 prospect on the list and what makes them stand out as a player to watch.
Meet 2023 DRaysBay Community Prospect List No. 30: Tyler Frank
Tyler Frank is a name that may not be familiar to many Rays fans, but he should be on your radar. The infielder was drafted by the Rays in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft and has quickly risen through the ranks.
Background
Frank played college baseball at Florida Atlantic University, where he was a standout player. In his junior season, he hit .315 with 13 home runs and 52 RBI. He also showed his versatility by playing all over the infield.
The Rays were impressed with Frank’s performance and drafted him with the 56th overall pick. He signed for a $1.025 million bonus and was assigned to the Hudson Valley Renegades in the New York-Penn League.
Minor League Career
Frank had a solid debut season in 2018, hitting .280 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 59 games with Hudson Valley. He also had a .743 OPS and played solid defense at shortstop.
In 2019, Frank was promoted to the Bowling Green Hot Rods in the Midwest League. He continued to hit well, batting .239 with seven home runs and 47 RBI in 123 games. He also had 19 doubles and three triples, showcasing his power potential.
Frank’s defense at shortstop was also impressive, as he committed just 12 errors in 109 games. He was named a Midwest League All-Star and was also a finalist for the league’s Gold Glove award.
Scouting Report
Frank is a versatile infielder who can play multiple positions. He has good hands and a strong arm, which make him a solid defender at shortstop, second base, and third base.
Offensively, Frank has a compact swing and makes consistent contact. He has shown some power potential and has the ability to hit for extra bases. He also has good plate discipline, as evidenced by his 55 walks in 2019.
Frank’s speed is average, but he can steal a few bases when he gets the opportunity. Overall, he profiles as a utility infielder at the Major League level.
2023 Outlook
Frank will likely begin the 2023 season at Double-A Montgomery. If he continues to hit and play solid defense, he could earn a call-up to Triple-A Durham later in the season.
The Rays have a crowded infield at the Major League level, but injuries and trades could open up opportunities for Frank in the future. He could make his Major League debut at some point in 2023, although a more realistic timeline may be 2024.
Conclusion
Tyler Frank is a name that Rays fans should keep an eye on. He has shown the ability to hit for average and power, as well as play solid defense at multiple positions. While he may not be a star player, he has the potential to be a valuable asset as a utility infielder at the Major League level. As he continues to develop in the minor leagues, his stock could continue to rise and he could become a key piece of the Rays’ future plans.
