Chandler Simpson was not the most anticipated player in the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS, but he turned out to be the most exciting to watch. He started nine games for the bronze-medal-winning USA. He went 17-for-37, a .459 batting average and had a .500 on-base percentage. He stole nine bases on nine attempts and didn't commit an error in eight playing opportunities.
The 24-year-old celebrated his birthday during the Premier12 on November 18 and is in his third professional season with the Tampa Bay Rays. He started 2024 at the A+ level. He played 32 games and posted a .364 batting average, stealing 31 bases on 36 attempts. The Rays promoted him to Double-A, and Simpson put together similar numbers in over 78 games. He finished with a .351 batting average and stole 73 bases on 85 attempts.
"Chandler opened a lot of eyes during the 2024 season," commented USA manager Mike Scioscia. "He is a unique talent. He puts the ball in play, plays excellent defence and you cannot stop him on the bases. He will be around the Major Leagues soon."
The WBSC had a chance to talk to Simpson after the Premier12 bronze medal game. He gave us a clue about his athletic skills.
"My grandfather was a track and field star," he said. "I played some basketball in high school and then focused on baseball.
Simpson smiled at the definition of the most exciting player to watch at this year's Premier12.
"My job is getting on base. I have incredible hitters after me in the USA lineup, so all I had to do was get on. I'm glad I had an impact on the team."
USA didn't play well in the first two games of the Super Round but finished strong.
"I think it is a matter of knowing each other better. We tried to take the tournament day by day. We played our best baseball when we started playing for each other.
"We could have done more," Simpson added, wearing his bronze medal with pride. "We would have needed a little more fire in the first two games. I think we showed what we really had in the last two games.
"[On the Premier12 overall] I loved the atmosphere and the intensity, both in Mexico and Japan. It was a learning experience to get to know different baseball cultures."
The attitude the US showed in two consecutive games with Venezuela during the Super Round was particularly impressive. The team hustled and went for the extra base whenever possible. Does the attitude come from the coaching staff or the player?
"It is a matter of knowing what you have, your best qualities. It's a matter of having an identity and showcasing that on the field."
And on a final note, Simpson outlined his goals for 2025 after finishing the season strong at Double-A. "I want to get to Spring Training ready and will do my best to make the team."
