The Rays currently have three starting pitchers in the low levels of the minor leagues putting together strong seasons that have boosted their prospect stock. All three have improved their outlooks this season and have strengthened their cases to remain starters long-term. While there’s still risk in each profile, they currently project as potential backend starters with room for more. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rays move any of these guys as part of a trade package at the deadline.
Jacob Kisting was acquired from the Twins this past offseason for Eric Orze. Kisting is a 6’5 RHP who throws from a low 3/4 slot. His four-seamer sits in the low 90s but gets on hitters quicker than expected thanks to his low release height and above average carry. Kisting has good feel for his two-seam variant, and neither fastball projects as more than a fringy offering on pure stuff alone. He also has a pair of average secondaries in the low-to-mid 80s; a cut-slider and an offspeed pitch with above average fade and plenty of velocity separation. He has excellent feel of his offspeed pitch to the point where he can manipulate the shape to get more depth or fade depending on the situation. His low slot, deception, and ability to command the entire arsenal allow his stuff to play above its raw grades. Kisting has maintained plus whiff and strike rates this season in Bowling Green and looks ready for a promotion to Montgomery if there are innings available. Maintaining his command will be key for him to work as a middle-to-backend starter.
With a no-hitter this season, Aidan Cremarosa has already gained some attention while pitching in Charleston. The 6’3 RHP throws from a 3/4 slot with plus extension that helps his low 90s fastball gain a few ticks in perceived velocity. He has great feel for a low-70s breaking ball that he can land in-zone to steal strikes, but Cremarosa’s best weapon may be his low-80s offspeed pitch, which features solid movement and excellent velocity separation from his fastball. He also throws a low-80s cut-slider that allows him to generate plenty of strikes and weak contact. Cremarosa currently looks like a backend starter, but given his physical projection, he could find a bit more velocity and look more like a number three starter.
Blake Morgan has enjoyed a strong start to his professional career. The 6’1 LHP throws from a high slot and features three pitches: a low 90s fastball, a low 80s gyro breaking ball, and a low 80s offspeed pitch. The fastball and breaking ball are fringy offerings, but his unique slot and plus command help him keep hitters off balance. Morgan’s best pitch is his offspeed pitch – it has plus fade from his high release point, and its velocity separation from the fastball is excellent, making it a clear plus offering. His feel for strike throwing gives him a safe floor as a backend starter, with a potential ceiling of a Jeffrey Springs-type starter. Morgan could raise his game by finding a second breaking ball shape to give hitters on both sides of the plate a different look beyond the first time through an order.
The Rays have taken their ability to identify and develop offspeed pitches to new heights in recent years. This is evident in some of their up-arrow pitching prospects as well as their offspeed usage and success in the majors. Any of these three names may be a potential target of other teams in a trade package. If they remain in the organization, any of these three could reach the majors by 2028.
