Tampa Bay Rays to give Jake Bauers a chance to start

The Tampa Bay Rays have an opening at first, and one of the top first base prospects in the game. He is going to get his chance to seize the position this year.

We all remember the impact that Jake Bauers made during Spring Training for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017. He made quite an impression, unleashing tape measure home runs and seemingly getting a hit every time one looked up. Eventually sent to the Rays minor league camp, Bauers had established himself as a player to watch.

He did not disappoint in his first season at AAA. After a slow start, Bauers rebounded to post a solid .263/.368/.412 batting line, hitting 13 homers and 31 doubles. He even showed quite a bit of speed, stealing 20 bases in 23 attempts. For a 22 year old getting his first taste of the International League, Bauers performed well.

That performance did not go unnoticed. With Logan Morrison a free agent, the Rays have an opening at first. This time, Bauers is going to be given a chance to take the position over, potentially establishing himself as the Rays first baseman of the present and future.

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Of course, a lot can change in the next few weeks. Brad Miller could, once again, become a candidate to play first. And, given the lack of movement in free agency, the Rays could find a veteran option that falls into their hands, much like Morrison did last year.

This year, the Rays find themselves in a different situation than they were heading into 2017. Franchise icon Evan Longoria is gone, having been traded to the San Francisco Giants. Chris Archer is constantly the subject of trade rumors. Another rebuild is in full effect, with the Rays looking to find themselves their next core of the future.

If Bauers can replicate his performance from Spring Training last year, the Rays first base position would be his to lose. He would be a low cost option for the next three seasons, allowing the Rays time to groom yet another top prospect in Brendan McKay. However, Bauers certainly has the potential to become a cornerstone player in Tampa Bay in his own right.

Next: The hold up on trading Archer

The Tampa Bay Rays are going to give Jake Bauers a look at first. Do not be surprised if he is in the lineup on Opening Day.