A talented Rays pitching staff just got even more crowded
The Tampa Bay Rays bullpen picture just got more crowded as the team announced that the Washington Nationals have returned right-handed pitcher Evan Reifert back to the organization. The Nationals had selected Reifert during the MLB portion of the Rule 5 draft this past December.
Among the draft class, Reifert was considered one of the most likely to keep on an active roster throughout the 2025 season but the 25-year old hurler had a disastrous spring in which he allowed 12 runs over 6 1⁄3 innings pitched, while walking 12 and striking out nine; overall, only 46.5% of Reifert’s pitches were strikes.
Originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 30th round of the 2018 draft, Riefert didn’t make his professional debut until 2021. Following that season, the Rays acquired Reifert from the Brewers in exchange for Mike Brosseau. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Reifert has shown a tremendous ability to miss bats, with a 40.2 K% in 2021 and a 38.5 K% in 2022. He impressed the baseball world with an amazing showing in the Arizona Fall League in 2022 and looked well on his way to competing for a spot in the Rays bullpen, until injuries derailed his career.
Reifert’s slider still rates as one of the best in all of baseball, but well below average command makes him a liability on the mound. That slided led to the Nationals taking a chance on him this offseason, and now his command has led to him being sent back to the Rays organization.
With Reifert rejoining the Rays, their pitching situation just got even more crowded as he’ll join a talented collection of pitchers competing for a job not only in the big leagues for time in Triple-A.