MLB: 5 American League East prospects to watch for in 2020
By Nick Stevens
Will Brendan McKay become an impact two-player for the Tampa Bay Rays as he begins his MLB career?
The Tampa Bay Rays have a long list of intriguing prospects to choose from here, including the top overall prospect in baseball in Wander Franco, but LHP Brendan McKay provides the most immediate intrigue, and it’s not just because he’s a two-way player.
McKay cruised through the 2019 season on the mound in the minor leagues, going 6-0 with a 1.10 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, .165 average against, and 102 strikeouts in 73.2 innings across Double-A and Triple-A.
His success earned himself a call-up to the big leagues where he had mixed results. McKay made 13 appearances, posting a 2-4 record with a 5.14 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. He did, however, continue to pile up the strikeouts with 56 in 49 IP.
McKay also saw his first action at the plate as a major leaguer, going 2-10 with his first career home run.
The Rays are one of the best when it comes to creatively getting everything they can out a player and McKay should be no exception. With four average to above-average pitches and impeccable control, McKay is a high-quality arm with the potential to settle in nicely within Tampa’s starting rotation behind Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.
Ranked as the second-best prospect in Tampa’s system and 15th overall, McKay has been absent from summer camp, and with the Opening Day a week away, it doesn’t appear likely that McKay will be ready.
When he is back on the field for Tampa Bay, expect to see McKay used in a variety of different roles, especially in a 60-game season against a tough schedule.