Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson is gearing up for his sophomore season in Major League Baseball while recovering from a hamstring injury that is affecting his participation this spring in Port Charlotte, Florida. After a rookie year marked by an impressive 44 stolen bases, Simpson’s goal is to continue leveraging his speed to help the Rays win.
Rookie Season Highlighted by Exceptional Base-Stealing
In 2025, Chandler Simpson emerged as one of the fastest players in the league, finishing with the second-highest total of stolen bases across all major league teams. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities made a significant contribution to the Rays’ successes last season. Simpson remains confident there is room to increase his already remarkable velocity on the basepaths.
“Get on base as much as possible and contribute to every win,”
Simpson said.
“I don’t ever believe I am at max speed,”
he added.
“I feel like my speed is God given, so if you want to give me some more, then I am going to go up another level,”
Simpson explained.
Manager Kevin Cash Prioritizes Simpson’s Health Ahead of Season
Due to the hamstring issue, Rays manager Kevin Cash has opted to limit Simpson’s game appearances early in spring training to ensure full recovery. Recognizing Simpson’s game relies heavily on leg strength, Cash plans to ease him back cautiously, aiming to protect his physical condition for the upcoming full season.
“It’s really tough for a guy like [Simpson] where your legs are such an important part of your game and tell him to run at 80 percent,”
Cash said.
“We’re just probably going to protect him from himself a little bit.”
Simpson Focused on Health and Consistent Performance
Simpson understands the importance of maintaining his health as he works to improve on his rookie performance. His primary objective for this season is to stay fit and consistently contribute to the team’s efforts.
“Really just stay healthy throughout the whole year and continue to play my game every single day,”
Simpson stated.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation for a Breakout Second Year
With his remarkable speed and determination, Chandler Simpson is expected to be a vital asset for the Tampa Bay Rays in the upcoming season. While the hamstring injury presents an early challenge, the cautious approach from the team’s management and Simpson’s resilient mindset suggest he could elevate his game further once fully recovered. Fans and analysts alike anticipate that his speedy outfield play will continue to be a defining element of the Rays’ strategy as the team moves toward Opening Day and beyond.
