Three Tampa Bay Rays Named to Top 100 Prospects

Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; USA catcher Justin O

Three Tampa Bay Rays prospects were named to MLB’s Top 100 Prospects list for 2015.

Catcher Justin O’Conner was ranked No. 61, shortstop Daniel Robertson was No. 65 and Willy Adames was ranked No. 77.

O’Conner was a first round draft pick by the Rays in 2010. Between Charlotte and Montgomery, O’Conner hit .278 with 12 home runs and was named to the All-Star Futures Game.

"“O’Conner has big raw power that he has only just started to tap into,” his prospect watch report card reads. “He’s an aggressive hitter, and his pop comes with a lot of swing-and-miss.“Despite not beginning to catch until his senior year of high school, O’Conner has quickly become an elite defender behind the plate. He has top-of-the-scale arm strength and threw out 50 percent of basestealers in 2014. His defense lessens the pressure on his bat, but he’ll still need to prove he can consistently hit advanced pitching to reach his ceiling in the Major Leagues.”"

Robertson was acquired by the Rays in the Ben Zobrist trade earlier this month. In 132 games with Stockton in the A+ league, Robertson hit .310 with 15 homers and 60 RBIs.

"“Robertson employs a mature approach at the plate. He has a short swing, uses the whole field to hit and is adept at working walks. His bat speed and feel for hitting give him solid power potential that he’s already started to tap into.“A below-average runner, scouts have long viewed Robertson as a candidate to move to second or third base. But he’s proved to be a steady defender at shortstop, thanks to his instincts, arm strength and soft hands.”"

Adames was acquired at the trade deadline from the Detroit Tigers last season in the David Price trade. In 27 games with Bowling Green, Adames hit .278 with two home runs.

"“Adames has a disciplined approach at the plate, showing a willingness to work the count. He already shows some power thanks to his quick wrists and he could be a solid hitter if he can continue to improve his pitch recognition.“Scouts like Adames’ present defensive skills, especially his arm strength and hands. He is only an average runner, however, and could end up moving to second or third base if he loses a step as he physically matures.”"

Minnesota Twins outfielder Bryan Buxton was named the No.1 prospect.