​The Rays reinforced their strategy of pursuing high-upside pitching by selecting Gavin Giese, a right-handed pitcher from Dana Hills High School in California, with the 85th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Standing 6’3” and still possessing substantial projection, Giese brings the size, athleticism, and clean arm action that have made him one of the most intriguing prep arms in this draft class. His fastball already sits in the mid-90s, and scouts project even more velocity as he continues to mature physically.
What sets Giese apart is his advanced changeup, a pitch that generates noticeable velocity and movement separation from his fastball. This quality aligns with the Rays’ long-standing emphasis on developing pitchers with robust and deceptive offspeed offerings. The changeup’s late fade and deceptive life give him a credible swing-and-miss weapon against left-handed hitters, a facet that enhances his potential as a starter. In addition, Giese’s developing slider adds another layer to his repertoire, contributing to a well-rounded pitching profile suitable for a front-line starter role.
Giese’s combination of projecting frame, athleticism, and an offspeed package that dovetails with Tampa Bay’s pitching philosophy positions him as a high-ceiling arm for one of baseball’s most respected player-development organizations. The Rays have demonstrated a consistent preference for athletes who can translate raw potential into advanced pitchability, and Giese fits that mold perfectly. His current velocity, coupled with the likelihood of additional gains as he matures, suggests a trajectory toward substantial innings consumption and effectiveness at higher levels.
In a class known for its depth of pitching talent, Giese’s standout features—a fastball that already plays in the mid-90s, a masterful changeup with substantial separation from his heater, and a developing slider—provide a compelling mix for a starter’s repertoire. His mechanics promise efficiency and repeatability, factors that align with the Rays’ approach to cultivating sustainable, impact arms from the lower levels all the way to the major leagues. For Tampa Bay, investing in a pitcher with such projection is consistent with their mission to assemble a pipeline of affordable, high-upside arms who can be groomed into reliable, long-term contributors.
As Giese progresses through the minor leagues, scouts will be watching how his changeup and breaking ball refine against hitters at progressively tougher levels. If he continues to add velocity, maintain clean mechanics, and execute his offspeed pitches with confidence, Giese could emerge as a cornerstone in the Rays’ pitching staff for years to come. The selection of Gavin Giese at No. 85 in the 2026 Draft underscores the Rays’ commitment to prioritizing projection, athletic upside, and a sophisticated, analytics-backed approach to player development that has defined their franchise.