Tampa Bay Rays: Finding the Rays next ace
By David Hill
If the Tampa Bay Rays do not have Brent Honeywell as part of their Opening Day pitching staff, it may not be long into the 2018 season before he comes to the majors.
A consensus top 100 prospect in each of the last two seasons, Honeywell was tabbed to start the 2017 Futures Game. He was named the game’s MVP, striking out four batters in two scoreless innings. However, his 2017 was not entirely positive, as he was suspended for four games by the Durham Bulls in August for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.
In regards to his minor league performance, Honeywell did nothing to dispel the notion that he is one of the Rays top prospects. After starting the year in AA, he was swiftly promoted to Durham, and continued to pitch well. In his 136.2 innings last season, Honeywell posted a 13-9 record, along with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.237 WHiP, striking out 172 batters while issuing only 35 walks.
It is easy to project that Honeywell will emerge as a top of the rotation option for the Rays. Since being drafted in the second round of the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft, he has rocketed through the system, stymieing the opposition. Armed with a pitch that has not been seen in years, he may be ready to take the league by storm once he reaches the majors.
Brent Honeywell has nothing left to prove in the minors. His ascension to the Tampa Bay Rays ace may come quickly once he reaches the majors.