Tampa Bay Rays Brendan McKay continuing his two way journey
Before Shohei Ohtani came stateside, the Tampa Bay Rays had their own two way player in the minors.
Just like almost every other teams, the Tampa Bay Rays had interest in Shohei Ohtani when he was posted by the Nippon Ham Fighters. It is easy to understand why – Ohtani was one of the most exciting players to enter the majors in recent history, and would be under team control for the next six years. He is the type of talent, both on the mound and at the plate, that scouts dream about.
However, unlike most of the other teams that were interested in Ohtani, the Rays had experience with two way players of their own. Even though they missed out on landing the Japanese superstar, the excitement of such a player may be coming to Tampa Bay in due time as Brendan McKay continues to advance through the system.
Drafted as a pitcher/first baseman, McKay found himself as one of the top prospects in not only a loaded Rays system, but in all of baseball, entering this season. He was a consensus top 40 prospect, although there were questions as to whether or not his future was on the mound or at the plate. For now, at least, the Rays are letting McKay continue his journey through the minors as a two way player.
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It is easy to understand the excitement around McKay in the Rays system. In 2017, he posted a solid .232/.349/.376 batting line, hitting four doubles and four homers. McKay also showed an advanced batting eye, drawing 21 walks with 33 strikeouts in 149 plate appearances. While that was a decent debut, it was McKay’s work on the mound that drew rave reviews. In his 20 innings, he allowed just four runs on 10 hits and five walks, striking out 21 batters.
Understandably, scouts feel that McKay is more advanced as a pitcher. That does not change his potential future outlook however; McKay had been viewed as a first round talent regardless of which side he was drafted for. With the Rays, and their desire to maximize payroll and every roster spot, he is in the unique position where he can attempt to succeed at both pitching and first base.
As McKay has started the season with the Bowling Green Hot Rods in the Midwest League, McKay still has some time before he reaches the majors. It is possible that he continues to perform well on both sides of the ball during his climb, but that real test may come at AA. If McKay can handle that step up in competition with aplomb, be it this year or next, he may eventually find himself as the next two way player in the majors.
Next: Bullpen day working out so far
The Tampa Bay Rays have their own two way player trying to forge a path to the majors. The journey of Brendan McKay as he works his way through the minors will be fascinating to watch.