Bucky Irving Will Wear The Creamsicles

Tampa Bay Selects OF With 1st Round Pick

OF/1B from Arizona State Went 27th Overall

The Tampa Bay Rays selected outfielder/first baseman Bucky Irving with the 27th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft on Sunday night.

Irving, a 6'4", 220-pound sophomore from Arizona State, is considered one of the best power hitters in the draft. He hit .347 with 21 home runs and 59 RBIs in 59 games for the Sun Devils this season.

Irving is a left-handed hitter with a strong arm and good speed. He is also a good fielder, with experience at both first base and outfield.

The Rays are excited to add Irving to their organization. He is a talented player with a lot of potential, and they believe he can be a valuable piece of their future.

Scouting Report

Irving is a 6'4", 220-pound outfielder/first baseman from Arizona State. He is considered one of the best power hitters in the draft, with a strong arm and good speed.

Irving has a smooth left-handed swing and generates a lot of power. He has good bat speed and is able to hit the ball hard to all fields.

Irving is also a good fielder, with experience at both first base and outfield. He has a strong arm and good range.

Comparison

Irving has been compared to former Rays outfielder Carl Crawford. Crawford was a five-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner who played for the Rays from 2002 to 2010.

Crawford was a similar size to Irving, at 6'2", 205 pounds. He was also a left-handed hitter with a strong arm and good speed.

Irving has the potential to be a similar player to Crawford. He has the same combination of power, speed, and fielding ability.

Future Outlook

Irving is expected to sign with the Rays and begin his professional career in the minor leagues. He could reach the major leagues as early as 2025.

Irving has the potential to be a star player in the major leagues. He has all the tools to be a successful hitter and fielder.

The Rays are excited to have Irving in their organization. He is a talented player with a lot of potential, and they believe he can be a valuable piece of their future.

Highlights

• Irving hit .347 with 21 home runs and 59 RBIs in 59 games for Arizona State this season.
• He was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team and the All-American Second Team.
• Irving is considered one of the best power hitters in the draft.
• He has a strong arm and good speed.
• Irving is also a good fielder, with experience at both first base and outfield.
• He is expected to reach the major leagues as early as 2025.