Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Fastest man in baseball to make MLB debut

By David Hill | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 9:01 AM ET

Outfielder Chandler Simpson's impressive speed has already made him the stuff of legends. Now, he is getting a chance to show off those wheels at the major league level.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Rays are bringing Simpson to the majors. Adam Berry from MLB.com reported that manager Kevin Cash said Chandler will get "a little bit of a runway" with the Rays as he acclimates to the majors.

Ranked as the Rays' third-best prospect, and the 72nd-best prospect in baseball per FanGraphs, Chandler's calling card is his blazing speed. Ranked as an 80 on the 20-to-80 grading scale, Simpson is a terror on the basepaths with impressive bat-to-ball skills. He infamously beat out a routine grounder to first for an infield single earlier in the month with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, showing that he can be a weapon atop the Rays' lineup for years to come.

He's a freak. He's the fastest kid alive.

Y'all, Chandler Simpson just beat out a ground ball TO THE FIRST BASEMAN pic.twitter.com/JuPKqYlPDU
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) April 5, 2025

There are shortcomings to Simpson's game. He has absolutely no power to speak of — his one professional home run was inside the park. Simpson is still learning the outfield as well, with his speed making up for his inexperience and routes in center.

Despite those concerns, there is no denying what Simpson brings to the table. He has led the minor leagues in stolen bases over the past two years, including an impressive 104 steals in 110 games between High-A and Double-A in 2024.

Simpson hit the ground running in his first taste of Triple-A in 2025. He produced a .301/.325/.329 batting line in 78 plate appearances, stealing eight bases with 13 runs while striking out just seven times. If Simpson can replicate that success with the Rays, he can be a difference-maker as soon as he enters the lineup.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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