The Tampa Bay Rays have infused a ton of young talent into their organization a few weeks ago with two major trades.
First, it was All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe finally being on the move. He was sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a three-team trade that brought back outfielder Jacob Melton and right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito from the Houston Astros.
In a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, starting pitcher Shane Baz was on the move in exchange for a haul of prospects and a draft pick. One of the players whom the Rays received was outfielder Slater de Brun, who was selected in the 2025 MLB Draft with the pick the Orioles received this past season from Tampa Bay in exchange for relief pitcher Bryan Baker.
The star prep outfielder is one player who has been highlighted and is ready to make his professional debut in 2026. One of the players he could be sharing the field with is another talented youngster, shortstop Daniel Pierce, whom Ben Weinrib of MLB.com has selected as one of the 20 most exciting prospects making his debut this year.
Daniel Pierce ready to make highly-anticipated pro debut