Heading into his first MLB Draft as the Rays’ scouting director, Chuck Ricci emphasized the importance of a flexible, open-minded approach. They went in with a plan after months and years of preparation, but they’d need to react to what happened in front of them.

That’s how it played out for Tampa Bay, which completed the Draft by taking 11 college pitchers, five college hitters, one junior college hitter, three high school pitchers and one prep position player. The Rays loaded up on hitters with their first five picks, then went on a run of pitching with 14 of their final 16 selections.

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“We were very fortunate. We locked into some position players early, and then with the depth of pitching late, I think it's a well-rounded Draft,” Ricci said. “I think we've kind of combined some upside but also brought in some college players that really know how to play.”

Next up? Signing as many of those players as possible before the July 25 deadline. It’s a quick turnaround -- only two weeks -- but the Rays believe they’re in a good spot to stockpile more talent in their farm system after a successful Draft.

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“It's kind of fast and furious. You want to get them signed as quick as you can and get them in here for their physicals and then get them out there playing,” Ricci said. “We've got a pretty good idea of where we are with almost all of these kids.”

Here are three takeaways from the Rays’ 2023 MLB Draft:

Versatility and defense defined the early picks
Ricci described the Rays’ top pick, Brayden Taylor, as a “very versatile player in every way” who can “just do everything well.” He’s hit for average and power, with the latter coming on especially strong this spring.

He’s played third base, his best position, but could also see time at shortstop as he begins his professional career.

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“Very much a Rays player,” Ricci said. “Very well-balanced.”

It’s a good way to describe the rest of the Rays’ top five picks: high school shortstop Adrian Santana, Mississippi State outfielder Colton Ledbetter, LSU first baseman Tre’ Morgan and Texas A&M infielder Hunter Haas.

Santana and Morgan are particularly highly regarded for their defensive abilities, while Ledbetter is a strong offensive player who can handle all three outfield spots and Haas is a sure-handed shortstop who’s versatile enough to play anywhere on the field.

“I think [versatility] only makes just what type of player you are much more valuable, and whether that be for us or another team, I think that's the easiest way to get to the big leagues,” Ricci said. “It puts a little bit less pressure on your bat. The more you can do with the glove always helps your profile.”

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These pitchers could fill a variety of roles
Two-thirds of the Rays’ picks were pitchers, a testament to the depth of arms available this year and the different paths available for pitchers to take through the system.

“You just can't take enough pitching, and we've got a lot of confidence in our pitching development program,” Ricci said.

The Rays have found success with malleable arms, putting them in position to succeed, so it’s interesting they didn’t just load up on starting pitchers in the Draft.

They took a handful of starters, sure, including local product Trevor Harrison from JW Mitchell High School. But they also selected a number of pitchers -- like sixth-rounder J.T. Nichols, 10th-rounder Adam Boucher and 11th-rounder Garrett Edwards -- with a broader range of experience that could lead them to work as starters, bulk-inning pitchers, openers or traditional relievers.

“We talk about versatility in the field. I think it also plays on the mound,” Ricci said. “Especially with us, the way we use pitching in different roles. … The more these guys can do, I think the more appealing they are to us.”

There might be hidden gems from Day 3
The success of a Draft is typically defined by what becomes of the top picks, but the Rays know as well as anyone that big league talent can come from anywhere. So, it’s worth a look at some potentially intriguing picks from Day 3.

Edwards is another one of those powerful, versatile relievers, with what Ricci called a “Major League fastball and slider combination.” He had Tommy John surgery in April, which kept him from finishing the season with LSU’s national championship team and will sideline him into next year, but he could have been a higher selection if not for his injury.

Bryan Broecker, a 13th-round catcher out of Michigan State, has shown “Major League defensive skills,” Ricci said, and he added power to his game this spring to become a more dynamic player overall.

T.J. Fondtain, a two-way player from San Diego State, will exclusively be a left-handed pitcher for the Rays. He tossed the school’s first no-hitter since Stephen Strasburg (2009) this April, and Ricci said the Rays are interested to see what Fondtain can do as a pitcher.

Right-hander Will Stevens (15th round) has a fastball that reaches 99 mph, albeit with inconsistent strike-throwing. First baseman Wooyeoul Shin (16th round) shows power and plate discipline. And they rounded out the class with a pair of projectable high school arms: lefty Jérémy Pilon from Quebec (18th round) and BYU commit Max Stanley (20th round).