Tampa Bay Rays Fill Roster with 17 Pitchers in 2026 MLB Draft

Logan Georges – 11th Pick Sets Tone

The Rays’ first pick of the second round, RHP Logan Georges from Clovis High School (CA), is expected to be a high‑priority sign‑ee. At 6‑foot‑5, Georges can throw a fastball in the mid‑90s with carry and a two‑seamer that sinks, giving him a solid sinker‑slider combo. Scouts note a plus low‑80s slider that misses bats and a changeup in the low‑80s that adds fade. Despite missing part of his senior season, his size and pitch mix could earn him a lucrative bonus when the draft pool closes.

Georges suffered an elbow tear as a sophomore and returned for his junior year, throwing at several showcase events, including the MLB All‑American Game. He turned 19 this draft season, a factor some teams consider, but his velocity and spin metrics keep him in the conversation. His commitment to Texas Christian will be tested as the Rays look to fill a need for arm depth.

Cole Stokes – Latest Seminole Sign

RHP Cole Stokes, a fourth‑year junior at Florida State, was selected 12th overall and marks only the third Seminole ever drafted by Tampa Bay. At 6‑foot‑6 and 230 pounds, Stokes throws a high‑97 sinker with a mid‑80s sweeper that offers swing‑and‑miss potential. His ability to generate whiffs is offset by a walk rate hovering around 20‑22 percent, which could be a concern in pro ball. If he can improve command, Stokes could become a useful relief arm for the Rays.

Stokes spent two seasons at Oregon before transferring to FSU for the 2026 campaign. His quick, whippy arm delivers from a low slot, and both his fastball and sweep pitch have plus characteristics. The Rays will hope his big‑league frame and upside justify the high pick, especially with a bullpen lacking depth.

Steven Gonzalez – High School Arm Sparks Interest

RHP Steven Gonzalez, a Florida prep pitcher, was taken 13th and brings a low‑90s fastball with consistent extension. The Mater Academy (Hialeah Gardens) graduate is already committed to Florida State, giving the Rays a future Seminole pipeline. Scouts praise his three‑quarter slot, easy mechanics, and feel for breaking balls that could translate into a solid relief role. His upside lies in adding more velocity and refining command after turning pro.

During his senior season, Gonzalez posted a fastball regularly sitting in the low‑90s, sometimes reaching the upper‑90s. He also displays a couple of off‑speed pitches that show promise for a hitter‑flipping reliever. The Rays will view him as a developmental pitcher who can fill immediate bullpen needs while grooming a potential future starter.

Mason Bixby – 6‑7 Power Pitcher

RHP Mason Bixby, a fourth‑year junior from Oklahoma, was selected 14th and brings a 6‑foot‑7, 239‑pound frame that can produce a 100‑mph fastball. His sheer size and raw velocity make him an immediate power threat, capable of dominating at higher levels. Bixby projects as a starter who can occupy the top of the rotation, using his length and arm strength to generate swings and misses. The Rays will likely add him to their system to add depth to a rotation that needs reinforcements.

Bixby’s arsenal includes a hard‑hitting fastball that can clear the yard in favorable conditions, along with secondary pitches still being refined. His ability to stay healthy and develop command will be crucial for long‑term success. The Rays’ investment in a high‑floor, high‑ceiling arm could pay dividends as they look to compete for a championship.

Ashton “Amp” Phillips – Reliever in Waiting

RHP Ashton Phillips, a senior at South Carolina, was chosen 15th and is labeled “Amp” for his fireballing ability. Standing 6‑foot‑1, he throws 92‑93 mph with occasional 95‑96 mph spikes and a mid‑80s changeup that adds depth to his mix. His slider sits in the upper‑70s to low‑80s and his cutter sits in the mid‑80s, giving him a versatile set of weapons for relief. Scouts see his competitiveness and stamina making him a good fit for a high‑leverage bullpen role.

Phillips started his college career at Spartanburg Methodist before transferring to South Carolina Upstate and then to South Carolina, adding volume and experience in the 2026 season. While his strike‑throwing rate is below average, his velo and fringe pitches could allow him to become a reliable closer or setup man. The Rays will look to integrate his high‑energy approach into a bullpen that needs fresh arms for the stretch drive.

Alex Philpott – USC Transfer Adds Depth

RHP Alex Philpott, a fourth‑year junior from South Carolina, was taken 16th and brings a 6‑foot‑6 frame after transferring from Florida to USC. His fastball can reach 98 mph, though he usually pushes 93‑95 mph, complemented by a solid changeup and cutter in the upper‑80s and a low‑80s slider. Philpott missed time due to elbow discomfort but returned in mid‑March and posted a 6.51 ERA over 16 outings. The Rays see him as a potential reliever who can develop into a multi‑inning arm with refined command.

The USC stint gave Philpott a different role, shifting from a bullpen duty to a starter, which may help his durability. His velocity and mix of secondary pitches give him upside, though his walk rate and strike‑throwing consistency need work. Tampa Bay will likely groom him in the minors, aiming to turn his raw stuff into a reliable relief weapon.

McCarty English – Late‑Round Hope

RHP McCarty English, a senior at Southern Mississippi, was selected 17th and has been vocal about his desire to transfer and improve his draft stock. He shared a tweet detailing his summer plans, indicating a push to showcase his abilities ahead of the draft. While specific scouting notes are limited, English’s late‑round status suggests the Rays are taking a chance on a player with upside and a strong work ethic. His addition adds another arm to a deep group of pitchers who will compete for a roster spot.

English’s presence in the Rays’ system will depend on his ability to translate his mechanics into consistent velocity and command. The Rays will evaluate his progress through instructional league and fall workouts, hoping his competitive nature translates to professional success. As one of the later picks, his path to the majors will be steep, but his drive could make him a surprise success.

Nate Smithburg – Submarine Sleeper

LHP Nate Smithburg, a senior from Oklahoma, was taken 18th and stands out as a Cape Cod League sleeper with a submarine delivery. At 6‑foot‑2 and 257 pounds, Smithburg throws a fastball that sits 90‑91 mph and touches 94 mph, featuring massive armside run that dives away from right‑handers and runs in on lefties. He pairs this with a low‑80s cutter, a mid‑80s changeup with negative vertical break, and an upper‑70s sweeping slider. Scouts believe his deception and velocity could make him a viable bullpen arm despite a limited high‑major track record.

Smithburg’s unique release point and extreme extension generate difficult looks for hitters, creating whiffs at higher rates than typical submarchers. He adds a blend of movement profiles that keep batters off‑balance, making him a valuable asset in a relief corps. The Rays will likely invest in his development, aiming to harness his rare combination of speed and movement in a relief role.

David Horn Jr. – Draft League Velocity

RHP David Horn Jr., a senior at Middle Tennessee State, was selected 19th and brings a 6‑foot‑5, 235‑pound frame with velo that impressed in the Draft League. His fastball, while not quantified in public scouting reports, showed enough pop to draw late‑round interest. Horn’s arsenal includes a mix of secondary pitches that give him depth, though specifics are still being refined. The Rays see him as a developmental starter who can add arm speed and run variance to the system.

Horn’s time in the Draft League highlighted his ability to generate ground balls and maintain decent command, traits that could translate to a middle‑inning starter. His size and raw arm strength give the Rays confidence that he can add velocity to a starting staff lacking consistent heat. He will likely start in Low‑A, where his projection can be more accurately measured.

Ivan Sabater – Florida HS Rising Star

RHP Ivan Sabater, a West Broward High School graduate, closed the Rays’ draft at pick 20 and already boasts a 95 mph fastball with elite spin rates. His rapid development suggests he will add more velocity and refinement as a professional, making him a high upside arm for Tampa Bay. Sabater’s arsenal includes a mix of breaking balls that complement his raw arm speed, giving the Rays another dynamic pitching prospect. The Rays will likely draft him with an eye toward early bullpen contribution or a swift progression into the rotation.

Sabater’s performance at the high school level demonstrated advanced command for his age and ability to generate swing‑and‑miss stuff. His commitment to stay in the draft rather than pursue college adds an intriguing dynamic for the organization. The Rays will manage his workload carefully, aiming to preserve his arm while maximizing his potential as a future reliever or starter.