Tampa Bay Rays: Kean Wong lost due to numbers crunch
By David Hill
The Tampa Bay Rays have designated Kean Wong for assignment. They simply did not have room for him in their system.
Normally, Kean Wong would be considered a top prospect in most farm systems. A left handed hitting second baseman, he had rapidly climbed through the Tampa Bay Rays minor leagues, getting his first taste of AAA action at just 22 years old. However, he had been stuck in Durham for much of the last three seasons, a victim of the Rays depth in the middle of their infield.
On Sunday, the inevitable occurred. With Brandon Lowe set to rejoin the Rays, the team needed to make a move on the 40 man roster. That move was to designate Wong for assignment, likely ending his tenure in Tampa Bay.
After being bypassed time and time again, Wong finally got his chance at the major league level as a September callup. He had all of 14 plate appearances, recording three hits while striking out five times and being caught on his one stolen base attempt. Those numbers are not exactly inspiring.
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However, Wong has been excellent at AAA. In his 1425 plate appearances for Durham, he had posted a .286/.350/.413 batting line, hitting 24 homers and 73 doubles while stealing 27 bases. He also spent time at second, third, all three outfield positions, and short while at AAA this season, showing excellent defensive versatility.
Yet, the Rays simply did not have a spot for him on the roster. Lowe is the Rays second baseman of the present and future, having already signed a six year extension with two team options. Willy Adames is expected to hold down short, at least until Wander Franco is ready. Yandy Diaz is under team control through 2025. Wong was a player without a path to the majors.
This does not mean that he will languish in free agency for long. With his track record at AAA, defensive versatility, and six years of team control, there is no reason for another team not to take a chance on his potential. Even though Wong was blocked in Tampa Bay, he could turn into a solid option for another team as soon as next year.
Next. Snell returning at perfect time. dark
Kean Wong did not have a place in the Tampa Bay Rays future. The decision to designate him for assignment is a chance at a fresh start, and may be the best thing to happen to Wong’s career.