Chandler Simpson exemplifies the old school leadoff hitter profile, hitting for average and stealing a high number of bases over the course of the season. Simpson getting on base, being aggressive on the base paths and gives the Tampa Bay Rays many opportunities to score runs.
Simpson’s speed gives him the ability to turn groundouts into singles, singles into doubles, doubles into triples. His speed and hustle are reminiscent of Charlie Hustle himself, Pete Rose. Simpson can get on first by bunting, hitting groundballs to the infield or slapping base hits into the outfield. A speedster like this keeps the defense on their toes and is electrifying for the fans watching as it increases the possibility that the defense will make mistakes.
If Simpson beats out a bunt single and then steals second base on the next pitch, he has ended up in the same position as a power hitter lining a double into the gap. The difference is that it does not show up on the stat sheet the same way. Simpson’s slugging percentage will not increase as much as the power hitter’s because he only hit a single. However, by using the other tools in his skillset he has put himself in the same situation to be able to score a run as a double. Looking at his OPS it easy for people to say that he does not bring much value to the team because of his .695 OPS and 95 OPS+ through 83 games of the 2025 season. Despite these low metrics, he is batting .302 with 38 stolen bases and a 78% stolen base success rate. Jose Caballero, the Major League leader in stolen bases, has stolen 41 bags in 103 games, 20 games more than Simpson.
Simpson’s value also goes missing on the stat sheet because there are many ways that he can score on the bases. If the average baserunner is standing on second base in a game, the batter has to at least hit a base hit into the outfield in order for the runner to score. Simpson is a threat to score from second on any batted ball.
Take this play at Yankee Stadium, Simpson is standing on second base and is able to score on an infield single by Yandy Diaz. A combination of speed and situational awareness allows him to recognize that he is able to score based on the positioning of then Yankee shortstop, Oswald Peraza. Simpson is not relying on the third base coach waving him home but he is aware of his speed and gauges whether or not he can make it to the plate in time. Seems fitting he did this in New York where people do similar things like this crossing the street every day.
https://www.mlb.com/video/yandy-diaz-singles-on-a-ground-ball-to-shortstop-oswald-peraza-chandler-s
Another aspect of Simpson’s game that will not show up on the stat sheet is the mental threat he poses. I have watched many Rays games this year and have had the privilege to watch Chandler Simpson on the basepaths. It has been a long time since I have seen pitchers being so visibly nervous about a runner as they have been with Simpson. When his blazing speed is combined with the pitch clock and a limit on the number of pick off moves during an at bat, opposing pitchers are shaking in their boots. His presence on the basepaths distracts opposing pitchers which can lead to further mental mistakes when pitching to the hitter.
As a result, hitters will be able to work counts and pounce on any mistakes made, creating more opportunities to drive in Simpson and any other runners on the bases. Simpson’s contributions on the baseball field will not make his stat line jump off the page, but make no mistake, when he is out there his presence will be felt.
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