Tampa Bay Rays top prospect Xavier Isaac dealt with quite the scare over the summer. On Friday, he took to social media to reflect on the experience.
Tampa Bay Rays top prospect Xavier Isaac has dealt with challenges as he works his way through the life of a minor-leaguer, and Friday he revealed the battle of his life.
Isaac took to Instagram to share the news that he underwent “lifesaving” brain surgery over the summer.
“July 3, 2025 is a day that changed everything,” Isaac wrote. “What I thought was just dehydration turned into a brain scan… and a scan that turned into lifesaving and season ending surgery.”
“This was the scariest moment of my life,” Isaac continued. “But by the grace of God, I have walked through this valley and he has seen me through it. I’m blessed to say I’ve fully recovered. Thank you Lord for giving me strength when I had none.”
Isaac did not specify why the surgery was needed in his post.
“Thank you to my family, friends and the team around me for acting quickly and holding me up every single day. And thank you to the doctors and medical team at Duke University Medical — you didn’t just treat me, you gave me a second chance.”
The Rays selected Isaac with the 29th pick in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. The 21-year-old product of East Forsyth, Kernersville, N.C. is Tampa Bay’s No. 5 prospect.
“To the Staff of the Tampa Bay Rays thank you for all the support and resources that have been provided,” Isaac added. “Now I’m stepping back on the field with a new purpose, a new fire, and a heart full of gratitude.” “This comeback isn’t just about baseball — it’s about life. Every day. Every breath. Every swing. Here’s to recovery, resilience, and the next chapter. ⚾🙏 X is Back 🖤”
Isaac is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound first baseman whom the Rays had their eye on before draft day. According to his bio on MLB.com, Tampa Bay invited him to a workout at Durham Bulls Athletic Park -- home of their Triple-A affiliate -- in late May of 2022 before speaking to him on a Zoom call three days before the Draft.
Isaac had committed to playing for the University of Florida before joining the Rays and was even taking summer classes at UF. He made his debut with Tampa Bay on Aug. 16, 2022, in the Florida Complex League, where he helped the FCL Rays to within one win of the FCL Championship.
Beyond Isaac’s medical scale, he also dealt with other ailments in 2025 such as elbow, back and wrist issues. Last season, Isaac appeared in 41 games for Double-A Montgomery, where he hit .201 with nine home runs and 22 RBIs.