6. Joshua Lowe, OF
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 2/2/98 (20)
2017 teams/levels played for: low-A Bowling Green Hot Rods
2017 Stats: .268/.326/.386, 507 PA, 8 HR, 22 SB, 42/144 BB/K
Info: One of the most impressive players in the Georgia prep class in 2016, the Rays plucked Lowe in the first round with the 13th overall selection. Lowe was a rare athlete that was able to move from third base to center field when he shifted positions.
While other sources have pushed Lowe down after seeing some struggles with strikeouts in 2017 (28.6% K rate), but he also flashed all of the talent that you want to see from a teenager in his first exposure to full-season ball.
In center field, Lowe looks the part of a free safety in size and speed with his 6’4″, 200+ pound frame hulking in center and then gliding with excellent speed once underway. He still needs to work on his initial reactions, but in his first exposure to playing center field full time, he made big strides over the course of the year, and his plus arm really played well in the outfield.
Lowe likely will be handled slowly, allowing him to earn his way to any midseason promotions, otherwise going one level at a time. He’ll open 2018 in high-A most likely, and as his power begins to fill into his frame, the Rays are hoping to see him develop into a guy with legit 20/20 ability in center field.
5. Jake Bauers, OF
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 10/6/95 (22)
2017 teams/levels played for: AAA Durham Bulls
2017 Stats: .263/.368/.412, 575 PA, 13 HR, 20 SB, 78/112 BB/K
Info: After filling into his frame in 2016 and showing excellent gap power and bat control in AA at 21, Bauers was promoted to AAA in 2017, and he showed all of his best qualities, handling the advanced breaking stuff in the International League without being overwhelmed.
Bauers may not put up monster power at this point, but he is still growing into his frame, and he could turn his high doubles count into more over-the-fence power in the near future. Most likely Bauers will open 2018 in AAA again, but he certainly showed enough to move up to the big leagues for some exposure, and a strong spring could really speed up his timetable.
(Bauers) could turn his high doubles count into more over-the-fence power in the near future
Bauers is a lesser degree of what we saw from Cody Bellinger in 2017. He’s a guy who at first base is a high-level defender, with excellent reactions and good scooping ability, but he also has the athleticism and reads to handle the outfield, and his arm is strong enough to work in right field.
Bauers has a very good idea of the zone, and he shows excellent pitch recognition. He won’t be held down in the minor leagues for long with his excellent ability and the Rays offense really in need of his skill set.
Next: #3 and #4