Honeywell, Fox to compete in Futures Game

June 29th, 2017

Rosters for the 2017 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game were announced by Major League Baseball on Thursday, and the Rays will be represented by two Minor Leaguers and a manager.
Triple-A Durham manager Jared Sandberg will serve as the U.S. Team's first-base coach, and he will be joined by right-hander Brent Honeywell (Durham). Shortstop Lucius Fox (Class A Bowling Green), who hails from Nassau, Bahamas, will be on the World Team's roster.
The 2017 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game takes place on Sunday, July 9, at 4 p.m. ET at Marlins Park in Miami and can be viewed live on MLB Network and MLB.com.
:: 2017 Futures Game coverage ::
The Rays selected Honeywell, 22, in the second round of the 2014 Draft out of Walters State Community College (Tenn.). He has since blossomed into one of the better right-handed pitching prospects in the Minors, making a quick climb through the Rays' system before capping his '16 campaign with a strong showing in his first taste of the Double-A level.
Above everything else, Honeywell is a strike thrower with a mid-90s fastball that sets up four secondary pitches, including a screwball and a plus changeup. He's athletic with smooth mechanics and a repeatable delivery. He's also a fearless competitor on the mound and draws raves for his ability to mix pitches, set up hitters and execute a game plan.

Fox is a 19-year-old shortstop who came to the Rays from the Giants in the Matt Moore deal at last year's Trade Deadline. He had been dealing with a foot injury, so the Rays shut him down for the remainder of last season.
Fox is a top-flight athlete with plus-plus speed and three more tools that should be at least solid. A switch-hitter with a line-drive stroke, he has the approach and the speed to become a leadoff hitter and prolific basestealer. He doesn't project to be a power threat, but he does have some strength and can drive some balls to the gaps.
Fox's range, quick hands and arm fit easily at shortstop. The Rays believe he can stay at short, lauding his ability to learn quickly.

The SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, which is now in its 19th year, features the top Minor League prospects competing in a nine-inning contest as part of All-Star Sunday. The U.S. Team leads the all-time series, 11-7.
Major League Baseball, in conjunction with MLB.com, Baseball America and the 30 Major League Clubs, selected the 25 players currently on each team. Each Major League organization is represented and players from all full-season Minor Leagues were eligible to be selected.
Complete Futures Game rosters, prospect analysis and rankings can be found at MLB.com/pipeline.