Rays' Future at Catcher Looks Loaded After Latest MLB Pipeline Ranking

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to have one of the best farm systems in baseball. 

After improving the catcher position this year at the major league level by acquiring Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins, the team's future looks bright at the position. Hicks has years remaining on his contract for control for Tampa Bay, and the farm system is seen with plenty of talent behind the plate. 

Earlier this week, MLB Pipeline discussed the top 10 farm systems based on catching prospects, and by no surprise, Tampa Bay made the list. 

In fact, the Rays found themselves as the third-best farm system when it comes to catchers, only trailing the Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals. 

"The Rays have struggled to develop catching talent over the past two decades, with many noting they missed their chance by passing over Buster Posey as the No. 1 pick in 2008," said MLB prospect writer Sam Dykstra. "But now they have an opportunity with not one, but two Top 100 prospects in Caden Bodine (No. 51) and Nathan Flewelling (No. 65). Acquired from the Orioles in last offseason's Shane Baz trade, Bodine has shown one of the best overall hit tools in the Minors with a .343 average and 6.0 percent strikeout rate in 103 games across all four full-season levels, and he's good enough defensively to stick behind the plate. Flewelling -- this year's All-Star Futures Game MVP -- has above-average power potential from the left side and is more advanced on both sides of the plate than many 19-year-old backstops. The Rays' acquisition of Liam Hicks at the Deadline means the organization doesn't have to rush either Top 100 talent to St. Petersburg."

It will certainly be interesting to see how they handle their catching prospects over the next few seasons, with Hicks obviously showing power and the ability to control a pitching rotation. In just his first few weeks with the club, he helped Nick Martinez pitch a complete game with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

However, both Bodine and Flewelling should find themselves battling for an active roster spot next spring. Both players have found themselves quickly moving up the rankings in the minors, as well as making a name for themselves in the Futures Game during the All-Star break. 

Although this is a problem that will be addressed in the offseason, Tampa Bay could utilize moving some of these prospects for something to quickly improve the active roster as they hope to continue being a perennial playoff contender, just like they are this year, leading the American League.

With Hicks having the ability to play both behind the plate and elsewhere on the field, as he did with the Miami Marlins, it'll be fascinating to find out if they are willing to move Bodine and Flewelling away from the catching position to help them make the jump to the majors with Tampa Bay. 

Regardless, it's clear Tampa Bay's farm system is deep in multiple positions, and for the first time in quite some time, especially behind the plate.