Rays' Bodine Shining in Minors

0:00On May 2nd, the Tampa Bay Rays are killing it early in the 2026 MLP season, sitting at 18 wins and 12 losses as of May 1st. That puts them just 1.5 games back of the New York Yankees in the American League East, a squad they already swept once this year. They're also leading the wildcard race by three games over the Detroit Tigers. Even with some big names struggling or sidelined by injuries, the Rays have found their groove. Down on the farm, catcher Kaden Bodin is on fire in single A Charleston, the hottest hitter in the whole system through the first month. This coastal Carolina product, picked up from the Baltimore Orioles in the Shane Boss trade, boasts a 381 batting average, 432 on base, and 607 slugging over 97 plate appearances. He's got three homers, six doubles, two tribbles, 13 RBIs, and just three strikeouts against nine walks, that 3.1% strikeout. Rate is elite, the best in the minors.

1:01Fans and scouts are buzzing about his play discipline and barrel control, but he's outpacing single A already. High A has Nathan Flewelling, holding down catching duties, so the Rays face a tough call, Bumble Dines straight to double A Montgomery, or risk stunting. His reps as a backup, it's a good headache for Tampa Bay, long star for catcher production since day one. With this step, they might finally stockpile big league ready arms behind the plate for years to come. That wraps MLB news today. Brought to you with AI.