Brendan McKay is one of the more intriguing players in the Tampa Bay Rays system. Drafted as a two way player, his pitching performance has outpaced what he has done with the bat thus far. However, his overall power potential has given him the opportunity to continue seeing time at first base and as a designated hitter when he has not been on the mound.
The problem is that McKay has not been able to stay healthy. He missed the entire 2020 season due to shoulder surgery which also cost him the first half of this year. Then, after seven appearances on the mound and six more games in the lineup, McKay was put back on the shelf due to a flexor strain.
Tampa Bay Rays looking for another option year on Brendan McKay
Those health issues are a problem in another way for the Rays. Players can be optioned to the minors three times, and McKay has reached that limit. However, if a player has been injured for a large portion of that time, a fourth option year can be granted.
McKay would certainly fit that description. His injury issues have kept him from completing five full professional seasons, which would be the threshold for a fourth option year. Those injuries have also kept him from reaching his full potential, as he has missed key development time, especially with the bat.
It is easy to see why the Rays still covet McKay. Although the bat clearly is not ready for the majors, he is on the cusp of being a major league caliber arm if he can stay healthy. Despite his struggles in the minors last year, he has performed well, with a 2.19 ERA and a 0.888 WHiP over his 184.2 innings, striking out 239 batters with 42 walks. His brief stint in the majors in 2019 did not go nearly as well, but it is fair to wonder if he had been rushed to Tampa Bay.
Eventually, talent will only go so far. Players need to stay healthy and show that they can be a part of the future. McKay is at that point now – a soon to be 26 year old who has just 13 major league appearances and has seen his last two seasons derailed by injury. That fourth option year would help McKay to prove that he can be a part of the Rays going forward.
The Tampa Bay Rays are hoping for a fourth option year on Brendan McKay. It may be the only way he can prove to be part of their future.