Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson has not hit a home run since June 7, 2024. That changed on Saturday.
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In the bottom of the seventh inning versus the Minnesota Twins, Simpson barely hit a ball over the right field wall to secure his second career home run as a professional — though it didn’t count. According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, the home run came off Twins right-hander and former Chicago White Sox Dan Altavilla.
Altavilla appeared in 28 games for the White Sox last season and had a 2.48 ERA in 29.0 innings. A likely member of the Twins bullpen this season, Altavilla has a 2.25 ERA in four innings this spring.
Save that ball!
Chandler Simpson hit his first over-the-fence home run in professional baseball 😤 pic.twitter.com/WPtb7qQPuH
— MLB (@MLB) March 21, 2026
Despite hitting a home run for the Tampa Bay Rays, power is not Chandler Simpson’s game
Mar 10, 2026; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson (14) walks against the Minnesota Twins in the sixth inning during spring training at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Clearly, power is not Simpson’s specialty, as he has hit two home runs between the pros and college. Moreover, speed and a contact hitter: Simpson hit three triples, 15 doubles, and had 44 steals — caught 12 times, leading the American League — in 109 games with the Rays last year. Simpson had a .295 batting average in 414 at-bats (441 plate appearances).
On defense, Simpson needs to step up his game. In centerfield, he’s provided a -13 defensive runs saved and a -12 in leftfield. Simpson will likely be the Rays’ everyday leftfielder with Cedric Mullena patrolling centerfield.
Sep 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third base Addison Barger (47) puts the tag on Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (14) during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
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