Tampa Bay Rays set to debut speedy centerfielder in leadoff role

Simpson, 24, is known across baseball for his immense speed, with some scouts even saying that it breaks the 20-80 scale. The young outfielder has 214 career steals in the minors, and 104 of those came in 2024 in just 110 games.

Simpson does not provide much in the home run department, having only one home run as a professional, but he more than makes up for it with his bat-to-ball ability and plate discipline. In 1,120 career plate appearances, Simpson has batted .324/.389/.371 with 38 extra-base hits and 71 RBI. He has drawn 107 walks while only striking out 98 times.

His bat-to-ball abilities are much like San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez, though Simpson provides elite-level speed to pair with it. You will not have as many empty singles from Simpson as Arraez provides, as even routine singles can be stretched to doubles, and the threat of a stolen base is ever-present with Simpson on the bags.

For the Rays, Simpson will be joining a team that is tied for fifth in MLB entering Saturday with 24 steals. His plate discipline will be a major boon for the team, specifically in the leadoff role, as they currently rank 23rd in MLB with their .267 OBP from that spot in the lineup.

The first pitch for Simpson's debut is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST and can be seen on FanDuel Sports Sun.