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One of the most successful collegiate athletes ever, Brendan McKay just keeps garnering recognition as MLB Pipeline ranked him as the 5th best left handed pitching prospect in all of baseball. This might not be the only position list he shows up this off-season, as he is also one of the top first baseman as well (Pipeline had him ranked as the top 1B prospect in 2017).
A true two way athlete, the Rays are allowing Brendan McKay to pursue a career both on the mound and at first base.
He made his professional debut for the Rays this past July and although he had some stumbles on the offensive side of things, his pitching was top-notch. His curveball is considered one of his best pitches and it rated among the best for left-handed pitching prospects.
The Rays will likely take it slow with McKay, despite his being a polished college star and already 22 years old, as they’ll look to develop his abilities on the mound, at the plate, and over at first base.
He finished the 2017 season in short-season Hudson Valley, but could be ticketed for either Single-A Bowling Green or Advanced A Charlotte depending on what the Rays prefer to do with their young star.