The Tampa Bay Rays claimed their former draft pick, Jake Fraley, off waivers last week; a move that may provide value.
Last week, the Tampa Bay Rays claimed one of their former prospects off waivers, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley.
The Background
Fraley, 30, was selected by Tampa Bay with the 77th pick in the Competitive Balance-B round of the 2016 MLB Draft. A product of Louisiana State University, Fraley displayed offensive consistency at the collegiate level, hitting .326 through 66 games and registering 28 stolen bases in his junior season before entering the draft.
Fraley remained in Tampa Bay’s minor league system until November 2018, when the organization traded him to the Seattle Mariners. Fraley would make his MLB debut in a Mariners jersey on Aug. 21, 2019.
Fraley remained in Seattle through the 2021 season, which became his most active season with the club. He appeared in 78 games, batting .210 with nine home runs and .721 OPS. In March 2022, Fraley was dealt to Cincinnati for several players, one of which included All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez.
Fraley’s role with the Reds expanded, and by his second season with the team, he became a consistent presence on the Major League roster with 111 games played. From 2022-2025, Fraley appeared in 362 games with Cincinnati; slashing .260/.336/.421.
On Aug. 17, Fraley was designated for assignment, and by Aug. 19, the Atlanta Braves claimed him off waivers. Fraley played nine games for Atlanta.
What He Brings to the Table
Fraley brings another left-handed bat to the roster; a trait Tampa Bay can use after its lefties posted the seventh most strikeouts (715) from that side of the batter's box. According to Rays Metrics, he is a career .261/.344/.432 (112 wRC+) hitter vs right-handers. He also displayed a change in batted ball profile in 2025 and was among the league leaders in pulled flyball percentage and an ability to hit fastballs and off-speed pitches, posting .276 and .261 averages, respectively.
As a base runner, Fraley produces solid sprint speed (77th percentile per Baseball Savant) and an ability to steal bases when needed. In 2023 and 2024, Fraley recorded 20-plus stolen bags.
As a defender, Fraley has spent most of his time in right field but has the ability to play all outfield positions. He posted a .946 fielding percentage last season and displayed arm strength ranking in the 86th percentile.
Entering an arbitration year in which he is owed $3.7 million, Fraley could provide good value for the Rays at a team friendly cost.