The Athletics traded Simpson to the Rays on Saturday alongside Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters and a compensatory draft pick in exchange for Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Simpson slashed .281/.377/.480 with 18 homers and 89 RBI over 552 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A last season, continuing his trend of offensive success at every level he's played in during his professional career. The 23-year-old first baseman will most likely report to Double-A Montgomery to begin the 2025 campaign, though his quick ascent through the minors may continue if he keeps swinging a hot bat.
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Athletics' Will Simpson: On fire at Double-A
Rotowire
Simpson is hitting .455 with one home run, 10 strikeouts and five walks in 12 games since getting promoted from High-A Lansing to Double-A Midland on Aug. 25.
Simpson hit .270 with 16 home runs in 109 games for the Lugnuts and has been on a heater since getting the bump to the Texas League. Simpson's 34.9 percent hard-hit rate and 13.1 percent soft-hit rate are in line with the impact needed to profile as a legitimate first-base prospect. However, he is behind Nick Kurtz and Tyler Soderstrom on the organizational depth chart.
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