MLB Draft picks are getting deals settled across the league and the Tampa Bay Rays have made one of the biggest splashes. On Tuesday, they came to terms with high school outfielder Dean Moss, a player they took with the 67th overall pick in the supplemental second-round. Moss will be making quite a bit over slot, totalling over $2 million.
“Supplemental 2nd-rder Dean Moss signs w/ @RaysBaseball for $2.1 million (slot 67 value = $1,285,400),” Jim Callis said via X. “Florida prep OF, advanced hitter w/quick lefty swing, good instincts in center field. Louisiana State recruit.”
Getting anybody to forgo college eligibility can be a difficult task. Especially when the LSU Tigers and Jay Johnson are on the other end. Two of the last three national championships reside in Baton Rouge, as Johnson continues to build a powerhouse. Landing commitments from players such as Moss is a big reason why.
At the same time, MLB teams are able to offer its fair share of money, usually surpassing what colleges are able to offer. Yes, even if the modern NIL days.
Now, Moss will begin his career in an organization not too far from home. Tampa Bay is one of the best out there when it comes to getting the most out of prospects. The Rays have high hopes of turning Moss into something special, paying him well above slot price.
Ahead of the draft, MLB Pipeline provided a scouting report on Moss. Coming in, his swing from the left side was what caught most scouts’ attention. His hit tool was the highest-graded one, coming in at a 55 on an 80-grade scale.
“Moss’ hit tool is what stands out more than anything else,” the scouting report said. “He routinely finds the barrel with an outstanding left-handed swing. He has plus bat speed and has shown he can use the entire field, with a fearless approach and the ability to turn around all pitching. He’s more hit over power right now, showcasing more bat-to-ball skills than the ability to drive it. There is raw power for him to tap into, especially to the pull side, but he’s still learning to leverage the ball consistently.”
Defensively, MLB Pipeline did provide questions about playing centerfield long-term. They cite a “lack of speed” to play the position. Instead, we could see Moss playing in a corner spot moving forward.
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