Wil Myers

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Myers' tenure in Tampa Bay was defined by immediate impact and a historic rookie campaign. Upon his June 17, 2013 debut, he faced high expectations but delivered by leading all AL rookies in RBIs (53) while playing just 88 games. He beat out teammate Chris Archer and Detroit's José Iglesias for the Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first-ever hitter to win the honor with fewer than 100 games played. The last player to lead AL rookies in RBIs in under 90 games was Hoot Evers in 1946. In the postseason that year, Myers recorded two singles in 20 at-bats. His time as an everyday right fielder began in 2014, highlighted by his first career inside-the-park home run on May 4. However, a collision with teammate Desmond Jennings on May 30 against the Boston Red Sox resulted in a stress fracture requiring significant rehab. He returned on August 20, initially serving as a designated hitter before rejoining the field.

In Their Own Story

On December 9, 2012, the Rays acquired Myers and three other prospects to replace James Shields and Wade Davis. The new arrival started the 2013 season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls but was called up on June 17 to play outfield. By year's end, he had secured the AL Rookie of the Year Award, a feat made more impressive by his late-season call-up; he led all rookies in RBIs with 53 runs driven in across just 88 games. The following season, Myers took over as the everyday right fielder. On May 4, 2014, he hit his first career inside-the-park home run, showcasing his speed and power. Later that month, on May 30, a collision with Desmond Jennings while attempting to catch a fly ball against the Boston Red Sox resulted in a stress fracture of his right wrist. After wearing a cast and undergoing rehab, Myers returned to the club on August 20. He finished the 2014 campaign batting .222/.294/.320 with six home runs and 35 RBIs in 325 at-bats.

Reader's Guide

Prospects drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2009 were traded to Tampa Bay on December 9, 2012. Wil Myers, originally a catcher who transitioned to the outfield, started the 2013 season with the Durham Bulls before his June 17 promotion. Fans should note that despite playing only 88 games in 2013, he won the AL Rookie of the Year Award and led all rookies in RBIs (53). In 2014, Myers played right field until a May 30 collision with Desmond Jennings caused a wrist fracture. He returned on August 20 to finish the season batting .222. His Rays career concluded after the 2014 season when he was traded to the San Diego Padres on December 19, 2014, as part of a three-team transaction.

Did You Know?

• Wil Myers became the first-ever hitter to win the AL Rookie of the Year Award with fewer than 100 games played.
• In 2013, Myers led all American League rookies in RBIs (53) despite joining the team on June 17 for only their 70th game.
• On May 4, 2014, Myers hit his first career inside-the-park home run while playing for the Rays.
• A collision with Desmond Jennings on May 30, 2014, caused a stress fracture in Myers' right wrist, requiring a cast and rehab time.