Nick Ciuffo

Ciuffo has yet to advance past rookie ball since getting drafted out of high school in 2013, advancing through the Rays’ system at a tortoise-like pace, even by catcher standards. He slashed .224/.289/.333 with four home runs in 211 plate appearances last season, and while weak contact likely played a role in his .271 BABIP, he should be a bit more fortunate with balls in play going forward. This season, the Rays will probably send him to a short season league followed by an appearance with the Low-A affiliate, and barring an injury, he will be able to log closer to 400 plate appearances in his age-20 season. Ciuffo projects to be an average power producer with a slightly above average hit tool for his position, and he will definitely stick behind the plate. Even so, at his current pace there might be two presidential elections before Ciuffo reaches the big leagues.

Ciuffo, the Rays' top pick in the 2013 MLB draft, signed early enough to log 43 games in the Gulf Coast League. He hit .258 with a .604 OPS but did not homer in his first taste of professional baseball. As a catcher drafted out of high school, he's still a few years away from the majors, but he seems to have solid enough defensive skills behind the plate to stay there in the organization. The power is expected to develop for him over time as he is a solid left-handed bat. He could begin the season in rookie-ball again with a goal of advancing to Low-A over the course of the season.