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Tampa Bay Rays Top 10 Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Apr 6, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; A general view of a Tampa Bay Rays bag, rosin and baseballs lay in the bullpen prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; A general view of a Tampa Bay Rays bag, rosin and baseballs lay in the bullpen prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 17, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first round draft pick Josh Lowe talks with media prior to the game against the San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first round draft pick Josh Lowe talks with media prior to the game against the San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Joshua Lowe, 3B

Birthdate: 2/2/98 (18 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie
Stats in 2016: .249/.374/.405, 5 HR, 2 SB

One of the more highly regarded third base options in the high school class coming into the draft, and definitely one of the more impressive overall athletes that played in the dirt this draft class, Lowe went #13 overall to the Rays, which surprised some, but not many who had seen Lowe climbing a lot of draft boards as teams saw more and more of him.

Lowe was a very good pitcher in high school as well, and he was considered a late first round selection as a pitcher, so his arm plays up well at third base. However, he has a natural feel for the position on top of the arm that should allow him to be a plus defender at the position.

(Lowe) has a natural feel for (third base) on top of the arm that should allow him to be a plus defender at the position

Lowe showed his across the board athletic ability that has him rated with plus raw power and current plus speed. He made a lot of loud contact at both rookie levels that he played at in 2016, generating a lot of positive scouting reports about future power.

While Lowe may lose a step as he ages, he has a very athletic build that allows his natural speed to play up as he is able to generate extra base hits, though he likely won’t be a great base stealer as he’s more a guy with great speed at top gear but not great first-step quickness.

Lowe should get a chance to experience full-season ball in 2017, whether it’s to open the season or by the end of the year.

Next: #3

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