Tampa Bay Rays Chandler Simpson has become a thrilling player in 2026. He has turned out to be the spark the Rays needed to get off to a good start. The outfielder wants to continue establishing himself as an offensive player and to be a disruptive force on the base paths.
Showed Signs last Season
After beginning the 2025 season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, he was selected to the 40-man roster. In 105 MLB games, he hit .295 with 53 runs and 44 stolen bases. Simpson set a Rays rookie record by hitting in 18 consecutive games. He only made one error in 202 chances in the outfield. Although he is considered to have a below-average arm, his speed was certainly an asset in getting to the ball.
One of the Fastest Players
Simpson is regarded as one of the fastest players in the game today. The Rays know he can steal 60-plus stolen bases every season. They would like him to be a player who can go from first to third on a base hit. Also use that speed to cover a ball hit into the gap and keep the hitter to a single.
Spring Training
In Spring Training, working with hitting coaches Chad Mottola and Ozzie Timmons they helped him focus on an improved mental approach. After stealing 225 bases in MiLB, they want him to use his speed as a weapon. The guidance and support provided to him included instruction on handling major league pitching and on his overall approach to the game.
Good Start
So far, Simpson has played well on both offense and defense. As of Sunday, he is hitting .300 with 11 stolen bases and 16 runs scored. He has yet to make an error and has shown significant development in playing defense.
Not a Power Hitter
Tampa Bay Rays Chandler Simpson is a thrilling player in 2026. First and foremost, he can be an excellent contact-oriented hitter. Although he will never be a power hitter, his speed makes him a valuable leadoff hitter. It is still early in his career, but he has a chance to be a one-of-a-kind speed player in the game today. Using that game-changing speed on the bases as well as on defense, he can be a dynamic contributor for the Rays over the long term.
Veteran Authority
In December 2025, the Rays signed Cedric Mullins to provide his veteran leadership and mentorship to Simpson. Since his arrival, Mullins has provided direction and support to him. Manager Kevin Cash has praised Mullins for showing Simpson the outfield adjustments needed, which has directly helped his game.
Outlook
This was to be a rebuilding year for the Rays, yet so far this team has been competitive—and exciting. At the center of it has to be Chandler Simpson—the player who isn’t just exceeding expectations, but the one making the Rays fun to watch. Their offense is moving along well due to what he brings to the game every night—at 25, just getting started. He’s doing amazing things for a team that doesn’t typically get that national-level attention. That will all change as Simpson continues to make a name for himself and the Rays.
