Tampa Bay Rays
· 2026-07-14
The Tampa Bay Rays made a significant move in the 2026 MLB First-Year Player Draft, selecting University of South Carolina's Amp Phillips in the 15th round.
Amp Phillips, a right-handed pitcher from Lancaster, S.C., was picked by the Tampa Bay Rays on the second day of the 2026 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Phillips made 14 starts on the mound for the Gamecocks in 2026, boasting a 4.39 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 67.2 innings pitched.
Phillips' selection adds depth to the Tampa Bay Rays' pitching staff, which currently stands at 1st in the American League with a 56-38 record on a 1-game losing streak. The team's last result was a 2-8 loss to the Seattle Mariners on July 12.
Phillips will likely join the Rays' minor league affiliate, where he will continue to develop his skills and potentially make his way to the major league roster. The 2026 MLB First-Year Player Draft has been a successful one for the Rays, with several promising prospects joining the organization.
Phillips had a standout season with the Gamecocks, earning the SEC Pitcher of the Week award after striking out 10 batters in eight innings in a 1-0 win over Missouri on April 10. He also had three wins on the season and held opponents to a .235 batting average. Phillips gave up just one hit in six innings in an 8-0 win over Navy on February 21 and had nine strikeouts in six innings at Georgia on March 28.
The Tampa Bay Rays' front office will be eager to see how Phillips develops in the minor leagues and whether he can contribute to the team's success in the future. With a strong pitching staff and a talented young player like Phillips on the horizon, the Rays are well-positioned for a successful season.
Phillips' selection is a testament to the Rays' commitment to developing young talent and building a strong foundation for the future. The team's focus on scouting and drafting top prospects has paid off, and fans are excited to see what the future holds for the organization.
The 2026 MLB First-Year Player Draft has been a successful one for the Tampa Bay Rays, with several promising prospects joining the organization. The team's front office will be eager to see how these young players develop and contribute to the team's success in the future.