Tampa Bay Rays add intriguing minor league slugger on two year deal

The Tampa Bay Rays made an intriguing signing to bolster their depth, adding a noted minor league slugger on a two year deal.

Over the years, the Tampa Bay Rays have become known for their ability to find productive players on a shoestring budget. Despite payroll limitations, the Rays have been able to find themselves in the postseason hunt more often than not. Seemingly any player has a chance to develop into a viable major league option in their system.

It is that history that makes the Rays most recent minor league signing all the more interesting. According to reports, the Rays signed noted minor league slugger Dylan Cozens to a two year minor league contract.

A former second round pick by the Phillies, Cozens burst onto the national scene with his incredible 2016 campaign. Playing at AA Reading, Cozens belted 40 homers in just 134 games, while producing a .276/.350/.591 batting line. He even showed a great deal of promise on the basepaths, swiping 21 bases while being caught just once.

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While he continued to hit for power, Cozens has not had the same success at the AAA level. In his 989 plate appearances for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Cozens produced a meager .219/.320/.461 batting line, hitting 54 homers and stealing 22 bases. His struggles have been even worse in his brief time in the majors, as he has just six hits, albeit with two doubles and a homer, in 45 plate appearances, striking out 24 times.

Cozens has also been hampered by injuries this season. He had foot surgery earlier this season, which was expected to sideline him for the rest of 2019. Cozens is also out of minor league options, so if he does appear for the Rays at some point, they will have to give him a long look.

There were questions with his profile before being released. Cozens’ long swing led to far too many strikeouts, and his batting eye can be questioned. However, there is no question of his tremendous raw power, which is evident when he is able to make contact.

Yet, this is also the type of player the Rays excel with. He has the ability to play either corner outfield spot, and with his size, could be an appealing target at first if he was to get a look there. He has solid baserunning instincts, and has continued to make improvements at each level. If the Rays can find a way to shorten his swing, and further tap into his potential, they may well have a bargain.

The Tampa Bay Rays are known for finding diamonds in the rough. Given his raw power and pedigree, a two year minor league deal for Dylan Cozens is a worthwhile gamble.