In an era where speed is becoming increasingly valuable, Chandler Simpson has emerged as a standout prospect in the world of baseball. Heading into 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays' young star has garnered significant attention for his unparalleled agility on the basepaths. A recent poll conducted by MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo, which gathered insights from league executives and scouts, highlighted Simpson's exceptional talent. He secured nearly half of the votes as the player with the most speed, significantly outpacing competitors. This recognition comes after Simpson's record-breaking performances in 2023 and 2024, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to steal bases at an unprecedented rate.

Rays' Prospect Dominates League with Record-Breaking Speed

In the heart of the competitive baseball season, the spotlight shone brightly on Chandler Simpson, the second-round draft pick from the University of Alabama-Birmingham via Georgia Tech. Over the past two seasons, Simpson has been a force to be reckoned with, particularly in terms of his baserunning prowess. During the 2024 campaign, Simpson stole an astounding 104 bases across High-A and Double-A levels, marking him as the first player to reach this milestone since 2012. His performance wasn't just a one-off; in 2023, he had already accumulated 94 stolen bases between Single-A and High-A. With an impressive success rate of 86.6% on his stolen base attempts since joining professional ranks in 2022, Simpson has proven that his speed is not just flashy but reliable. In just 233 minor league games, he has amassed a batting average of .326, along with 30 doubles, six triples, and a robust .768 OPS. If Simpson can maintain this level of performance as he progresses through the higher levels of play, fans and analysts alike anticipate his imminent arrival in the major leagues.

Simpson's remarkable achievements have not only earned him accolades but also underscore the importance of speed in modern baseball. His ability to disrupt games through his swift footwork on the basepaths sets him apart as a unique talent. As Simpson continues to develop, his potential impact on the Rays and the broader game of baseball cannot be overstated. For now, all eyes are on this rising star, eagerly waiting to see how he will further redefine the sport with his extraordinary abilities.