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Is it too early to talk about Ruben Cardenas?



After 3 games and 5 ABs in the spring, this 24 year-old right-handed hitting outfielder is slashing .800/.857/2.657, which includes a triple and a home run. The Rays saw something in Mr. Cardenas when he was in single A in 2019, and made a trade with Cleveland to bring him into the Rays' system. In 2021, he hit .368 for Bowling Green in high A, and slashed .262/.295/.469 for Montgomery. He hit 25 home runs with 77 RBI combined in both leagues. I watched the game against the Twins on Sunday, March 20, and Cardenas' triple was the only ball a Ray hit with authority.

The Rays haven't scored a lot of runs yet this spring, and have not yet won a game. They've been looking for a right handed power hitter. Is it possible that they have the answer in the farm system now? Has anyone in the front office thought about giving Cardenas a first baseman's mitt to see how he does?

Of course it's early, and if the Rays let Wander Franco start 2021 in the minors, I would be very surprised if Cardenas started the season in Tampa Bay. But I hope his performance is making the front office think about it

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.