The Tampa Bay Rays have once again selected a Future Stars Series alum in the 2021 MLB Draft.
For the second time today, the Rays have dipped into their FSS research, taking left-handed pitcher Alex Ayala, Jr., who appeared both at 2018 and 2019 International Week.
Ayala struck out two players in 2018 who would go to be drafted — Glenallen Hill, Jr. and Silas Ardoin — and was on the roster the following year, but did not pitch.
“Alex got to us as a true international free agent,” said Jeremy Booth, CEO and president of the Future Stars Series. “I believe he’s 93-94 now from the left side, sits 91-92. Breaking ball, changeup, strikethrower, we’ve seen different levels of compete out of him. It looks like he’s grown up a little bit, and that’s good. He’s got a chance with the right organization, Tampa Bay, which is also took (Ryan) Spikes. He’s athletic, feel for a breaking ball and has a big arm, and at some point that comes off the board. I think he’s a reliever, but he could also settle into a 5 starter slot. Guys like that have a tendency to surprise you, and it’ll all be up to what his stuff allows him to do.”
