Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Tampa Bay Rays across Baseball.
As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, Texas Longhorns weigh professional contracts against college eligibility, with high‑round bonuses shaping decisions and the coaching staff plotting a return to contention.
Arizona right‑hander Owen Kramkowski was chosen in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a collegiate career that included two straight seasons as a strikeout leader and a College World Series run.
Nolan Higgins, a standout pitcher from Wixom, Michigan, was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays after a collegiate career that included key performances in the Big Ten Tournament and multiple academic honors.
A look at the most impactful players available on the waiver wire, from power‑hitting breakouts to pitchers whose recent stats suggest a strong upside for fantasy managers.
Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal has been vocal about the spark that teammate Dillon Dingler brings to the clubhouse, especially during spring training sessions where Dingler’s pitch‑calling creativity stands out. Dingler, a catcher with a keen eye for hitters’ tendencies, explains that his game‑calling philosophy hinges on adaptability — tailoring each sequence to exploit a batter’s strengths while keeping the opposition guessing. In his latest outing against the Oakland Athletics, Skubal showcased a razor‑sharp changeup that not only baffled hitters but also underscored his command of secondary pitches, a factor that has become a cornerstone of his recent success. The performance coincided with a strong start from rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer, who has quickly earned a reputation for simplicity and relentless work ethic in the Athletics’ farm system. The piece also revisits a lesser‑known statistic: only three pitchers in baseball history have started five All‑Star games — Lefty Gomez, Don Drysdale, and Robin Roberts — highlighting a lineage of excellence that modern players continue to chase. On the international stage, the KBO’s Samsung Lions secured the services of veteran left‑hander Chris Paddack for the remainder of the season, a move that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. Baseball history will also be front and center at the upcoming SABR convention, where Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, is slated to deliver a keynote address celebrating the sport’s diverse heritage. The recent passing of former Minnesota Twins star Darrell Jackson, left‑hander Al Holland, and right‑hander Phil Regan serves as a reminder of the game’s evolving narrative and the indelible marks left by its pioneers. Japanese phenoms Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Masataka Yoshida continue to dominate discussions, with Yamamoto praised for his consistency and athleticism, while Yoshida’s clutch hitting and solid bat‑to‑ball skills have made him a reliable presence in high‑pressure moments. Comparisons abound for players like Kensuke Kondoh, whose power swing mirrors Yoshida’s, and Haruto Takahashi, whose NPB performances for the Hanshin Tigers have drawn attention from scouts worldwide. Across the Pacific, Forrest Whitley’s strikeout prowess for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Carson McCusker’s contributions to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and Riley Thompson’s KBO leading strikeout rate illustrate the depth of talent emerging from foreign leagues. Domestic prospects such as Seth Beer in the Mexican League, Curtis Mead’s potential highlighted by Blake Butera, and Alex Binelas’s steady output for the Reading Fightin Phils further enrich the talent pipeline. Minor league leaders like Manuel Pena, who tops home‑run charts, and Connor Oliver’s consistent performances for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliates underscore the depth of development programs that feed the major leagues.
Three Texas players — Cooper Webb, Trey Rangel and Phinn Beaird — removed their names from the draft after being selected on the first day, while top recruit Grady Emerson fell to the Tampa Bay Rays, illustrating the growing tension between signing bonuses and collegiate commitments.
The ABS challenge system has added drama and strategic depth to baseball, prompting teams to adjust their approaches and sparking mixed reactions among players and managers.
Two West Virginia University pitchers, Dawson Montesa and Maxx Yehl, were among the first 100 picks in the 2026 MLB Draft, highlighting the program's rising influence.
The opening round of the 2026 MLB Draft delivered surprise moves, injury‑related drops and a handful of Texas‑bound prospects who could reshape the next wave of talent.
Memphis native Collin Bland, a top raw‑power prospect, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, choosing professional baseball over a Vanderbilt scholarship.
The opening rounds of the MLB Draft spotlight Grady Emerson’s rise, praised by the Tampa Bay Rays and scouts alike.
The St. Louis Cardinals selected high school shortstop Rocco Maniscalco with the 50th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, assigning him a slot value of $1.98 million. The decision pits family legacy, a viral defensive showcase and a promising but unfinished hitting tool against a committed college scholarship at Mississippi State.
The 2026 MLB Draft opened Saturday with the Chicago White Sox holding the first pick, while Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian and Texas commit Grady Emerson were among the top selections, highlighting the Lone Star State's strong pipeline of talent.
The 2026 MLB draft began Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET, with the Chicago White Sox selecting Roch Cholowsky first overall, followed by a cascade of high‑profile picks.
Top prospect Grady Emerson, a standout infielder from Fort Worth Christian, was selected second in the 2026 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, opening a new chapter after he abandoned his Texas commitment.
Grady Emerson, the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year, was selected second overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a high school career that included a .532 batting average and mentorship under Rusty Greer.
The draft begins at noon CT, featuring the White Sox, Rays and Twins at the top, while penalties and incentive picks add intrigue to the upcoming rounds.
The Philadelphia Phillies will field Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in the upcoming Home Run Derby, a swing‑based event that promises historic storylines and a fresh format.
Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper headline the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, bringing historic power numbers and a revived swing‑based format to Philadelphia.
The upcoming Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park will feature Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber alongside teammate Bryce Harper, who aims to join an elite group of multiple‑time winners.
Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper will headline the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, bringing a swing‑based format and historic storylines to Philadelphia.
A look at the former Mississippi State University players who are currently active in professional baseball, their recent performances, injuries, and the program’s enduring legacy.
A rundown of recent bullpen transactions, injury updates, and how projected lineup performance influences team offense rankings, with insights from analyst Kyle Bland.
The Chicago White Sox are preparing to make their first overall selection in the 2026 MLB draft, with three standout prospects — Roch Cholowsky, Grady Emerson and Vahn Lackey — leading the conversation and potentially altering the competitive landscape for the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins.