Taylor Walls set to make Major League Debut with Rays

DURHAM NC – Taylor Walls received the news late Friday afternoon that he will be promoted to the next level to play for the Tampa Bay Rays and make his MLB debut. The Rays were busy on the day, striking a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, and sent away shortstop Willy Adames and relief pitcher Trevor Richards. Following the trade, it was unclear what Bulls player the Rays would call up to replace Adames on the roster. All signs pointed at the Rays, finally giving the top prospect in baseball, Wander Franco, a shot at the next level. Ultimately it ended up being Taylor Walls instead.  

Walls has been a vital piece to the Bulls lineup, batting primarily out of three-spot in 2021 while covering multiple positions in the infield. Walls is viewed mainly as a shortstop and will get an opportunity to have consistent at-bats with the Rays if he translates his hot bat to Tampa Bay. His versatility makes him a valuable asset, having the ability to play all across the diamond.

In 14 games with the Bulls this season, he was slashing an impressive .327 average with two bombs, 10 RBI, and 11 runs scored. In 1,047 career at-bats since being drafted by the Rays in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He is hitting .279 with 19 home runs, 134 RBI, 184 runs scored, and 66 stolen bases.

The 24-year-old entered the season as the seventh-ranked prospect in the Rays minor league system. His strong performance with the Bulls made it an easy decision for them following the Adames deal. Walls is expected to make his Major League debut on Saturday, May 22nd, versus the Toronto Blue Jays. Now for Durham, with Walls out of the picture, 29-year-old Esteban Quiroz should carry most of the load at second base for the foreseeable future.