The championship aspirations in the Rays' organization extend beyond its postseason-bound Major League club.
Infielder Cooper Flemming hit a grand slam to help lead the Charleston RiverDogs, Tampa Bay's Single-A affiliate, to the Carolina League Finals on Friday. Flemming's big blow in the third inning was part of a 7-6 win over Hickory at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Ballpark.
The Rays' No. 5 prospect and the No. 83 prospect overall in MLB, Flemming was the No. 53 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. He put up a .298/.379/.450 slash line with 11 home runs and 16 steals in 116 games with the RiverDogs during his pro debut this year. That doesn't include what he accomplished in the three-game series versus Hickory, going 5-for-12 (.417) with two extra-base hits, two walks and five RBIs.
COMPLETE RAYS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Flemming finished fourth in the Rays' system in hits (133) and fifth in total bases (201) during the regular season. The 20-year-old was also named to the All-Pipeline Breakout Team earlier this month.
The victory earned Charleston its fourth championship appearance over the past six seasons. Flemming and the RiverDogs will host Game 1 of the championship round Sunday against Fayetteville, the Astros' Single-A affiliate.