3 hits, 3 RBIs AND 3 SBs? All in a day's work for Rays' No. 1 prospect
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We might need to change the name of Rays No. 1 prospect Theo Gillen to "Three-o" Gillen after what he did for High-A Bowling Green on Saturday. And yes, we can hear you groaning at that joke.
The No. 40 prospect in MLB went 3-for-6 with three RBIs and three stolen bases during the Hot Rods' 14-1 victory over Asheville at HomeTrust Park.
All of Gillen's production -- along with 13 of Bowling Green's 14 runs -- occurred within the first five innings. He singled and stole two bases in the second, had a two-run single and another steal in the third and led off the fifth with his 12th homer of the year -- a no-doubter to center field.
The 2024 first-round Draft pick is hitting .400 with a 1.104 OPS through 16 games this month. But he's really been outstanding all year long. Through 56 games this season, Gillen is slashing .340/.446/.591. That batting average and his 1.037 OPS pace the South Atlantic League. He's now up to 28 stolen bases, which are the league's second-most.
Injuries are really the only thing that have slowed Gillen during his career; he was limited by calf and wrist ailments in 2025, his first full year as a pro. He's remained relatively healthy in '26, and it shows in his box scores. He's unlocked more power and become a better all-around hitter while maintaining his plus speed.
Considering what the 20-year-old outfielder has accomplished so far at High-A, a promotion to Double-A can't be too far off in the distance.