Rays Have Explored Long-Term Extension With Top Prospect

The Tampa Bay Rays and their top infield prospect, Curtis Mead, have reportedly explored the possibility of a long-term contract extension this spring, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Mead, a 22-year-old native of Australia, was initially signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an international amateur. However, he was traded to Tampa Bay in 2019 in exchange for left-hander Cristopher Sánchez, despite not having played in full-season ball at the time.

Mead has since impressed with a .306/.376/.517 batting line over 970 minor league plate appearances.

In 2022, Mead continued his success, posting a .298/.390/.532 slash line with 13 home runs, 50 RBIs and 43 runs scored in just 76 games split between Double-A and Triple-A.

He missed much of the second half of the season due to an elbow injury, which may have hampered his chances of a major league call-up. While most of his defensive experience has been at third base, he has also played some shortstop, second base, and first base.

Overall, it remains to be seen whether Mead and the Rays will reach a long-term agreement. Still, Tampa Bay clearly values their young prospect and views him as a potential long-term piece for the team. Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports