Chandler Simpson Bio
Chandler Lenard Simpson is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on November 18, 2000, he made his MLB debut in 2025 after a fast climb through the Rays’ minor league system. He is widely recognized for his elite speed and his rare ability to put the ball in play, a combination that has made him one of the most talked-about young players in the organization.
Before reaching the majors, Simpson established himself as one of the top hitters in college baseball and as one of the most prolific base stealers in the minor leagues. His professional career has been built on contact hitting, plate discipline, and game-changing speed on the base paths.
Early Life and Background
Simpson attended St. Pius X High School in Georgia, where he developed into a standout position player. As a senior in 2019, he hit .450, drawing the attention of college recruiters and professional scouts. Following high school, he received one offer to play college baseball at the NCAA Division I level, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
During the summer of 2019, after graduating from high school but before enrolling at UAB, Simpson played for the Brookhaven Bucks in the Sunbelt Baseball League. He helped the Bucks win a second consecutive league championship, leading the team in batting average (.402), triples (4), and on-base percentage (.471). That summer experience gave him valuable exposure to competitive wooden-bat baseball.
He entered his true freshman season as the starting shortstop for the UAB Blazers and appeared in 14 games before the coronavirus pandemic cut the season short. Simpson batted .288 and stole 24 bases in 27 attempts as a redshirt freshman before deciding to transfer.
Path to Baseball
After the pandemic-shortened season at UAB, Simpson transferred to Georgia Tech to play for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In his only season with the program, he led all of Division I with a .434 batting average, cementing his reputation as one of the elite hitters in college baseball.
Simpson continued to sharpen his game in summer leagues. In 2021, he played for the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders of the Northwoods League. After the 2022 college season, he joined the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League, a long-standing showcase for top amateur talent. His performance in those leagues reinforced his draft stock heading into the 2022 MLB Draft.
Chandler Simpson Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
The Tampa Bay Rays selected Simpson in the Competitive Balance section of the second round of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft. After signing with the team, he was assigned to the Florida Complex League Rays, where he batted .370 and stole eight bases in eight attempts across eight games played.
In 2023, Simpson split the season between the Single-A Charleston RiverDogs and the High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods. Across 115 appearances with the two affiliates, he batted .293/.373/.345 with no home runs, 31 RBI, and a league-leading 94 stolen bases, a total he tied with Victor Scott II.
Minor League Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, Simpson made 110 appearances split between Bowling Green and the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits. He batted a combined .355/.410/.397 with one home run, 29 RBI, and a league-leading 104 stolen bases, becoming the first player since Billy Hamilton in 2012 to reach the 100-stolen-base mark in a minor league season. That year established him as one of the fastest and most consistent base runners in professional baseball.
Tampa Bay Rays Era (2025–Present)
Simpson began the 2025 season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls. On April 18, 2025, he was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. His debut marked the culmination of a steady rise through every level of the Rays’ system.
On July 19, 2025, Simpson extended a hitting streak to 18 consecutive games, setting a new standard for Rays rookies and beating the previous mark of 13 games held by Rocco Baldelli and Delmon Young. The streak highlighted his ability to make consistent contact and get on base at the highest level.
International Career
Simpson was named to the United States national baseball team for the 2024 WBSC Premier12 tournament. He batted .459 with 17 hits in 37 at-bats and was selected to the All-World Team as an outfielder. He also led the tournament in hits and stolen bases (7), underlining his skills on an international stage.
Driving Style and Strengths
Simpson’s game is built around contact hitting and elite speed. He rarely strikes out, puts the ball in play, and uses his legs to turn singles into extra bases and to pressure opposing defenses. His combination of plate discipline and base-stealing instincts makes him a constant threat on the base paths.
Notable Events and Milestones
Simpson’s signature achievements include his .434 batting average at Georgia Tech, his 104-stolen-base season in 2024, and his 18-game hitting streak as a Rays rookie in 2025. He also represented the United States at the 2024 WBSC Premier12 and earned All-World Team honors.
Chandler Simpson Career Wins
Across his amateur, minor league, and international career, Simpson has been recognized for his offensive production and base-running impact. His trophy case includes a Sunbelt Baseball League championship with the Brookhaven Bucks in 2019, an All-World Team selection at the 2024 WBSC Premier12, and statistical titles in stolen bases at multiple minor league levels.
Minor League Highlights
Simpson has led his league in stolen bases in back-to-back seasons, posting 94 steals in 2023 and 104 steals in 2024. His 2024 total made him the first minor league player since Billy Hamilton in 2012 to surpass 100 stolen bases in a single season. He also won batting titles at stops in the Florida Complex League and in college at Georgia Tech.
Other Wins and Performances
Simpson helped the Brookhaven Bucks win a second consecutive Sunbelt Baseball League championship in 2019, leading the team in batting average, triples, and on-base percentage. He also starred in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Cotuit Kettleers and the Northwoods League with the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, two of the most respected summer leagues in the United States.
Chandler Simpson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Simpson’s parents and family background are not publicly documented in the available sources. His path to professional baseball began in Georgia, where he attended St. Pius X High School and developed into one of the top amateur players in the state.
Personal Life
Public information about Simpson’s personal life, including marital status, is limited. He has focused on his baseball career, progressing from high school standout to MLB outfielder in just a few years.
2025 Season Performance
Simpson’s 2025 season has been defined by his transition to the major leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays. After opening the year at Triple-A Durham, he was promoted to the majors on April 18, 2025, and quickly established himself as a regular contributor in the Rays’ outfield.
His most memorable moment came on July 19, 2025, when he extended a hitting streak to 18 consecutive games, breaking the Rays’ rookie record previously shared by Rocco Baldelli and Delmon Young. The streak showcased his contact skills and consistency against major league pitching.
Looking ahead, Simpson is positioned to remain a key part of the Rays’ lineup and outfield rotation. With his speed, on-base ability, and defensive versatility, he is expected to continue developing into a foundational player for the franchise as the 2025 season progresses.