Rays' Speedster Chandler Simpson Hits First Career Over-the-Fence Home Run

The MLB's fastest player clears the fence for the first time in his career during a Spring Training game.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:03pm

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In the seventh inning of the Rays' 3-2 win over the Twins on Saturday, Chandler Simpson, known for his blazing speed rather than power, hit his first career over-the-fence home run. The ball bounced off the boardwalk in right field, surprising both Simpson and his teammates in the dugout who erupted in celebration.

Why it matters

As a prospect, Simpson has been known for his 90-grade speed and 10-grade power, making this rare display of power a notable milestone in his career. The Rays are hoping Simpson can develop into a dynamic leadoff hitter and base-stealing threat, so this home run shows he may have more pop in his bat than previously thought.

The details

Simpson pulled a first-pitch slider from Twins reliever Dan Altavilla just over the right-field fence for a go-ahead, two-run homer. This was only the second home run of Simpson's professional career, with his first being an inside-the-park homer in the minors in 2024. Simpson had only hit one home run in college as well, when the ball deflected off the outfielder's glove and bounced over the fence.

  • The home run occurred in the seventh inning of the Rays' Spring Training game against the Twins on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Simpson hit his first career over-the-fence home run in his professional debut in 2022.

The players

Chandler Simpson

A Rays prospect known for his elite speed, having stolen over 100 bases in the minors, but not known for his power hitting abilities until this game.

Kevin Cash

The Rays manager who was excited to see Simpson's rare display of power and the dugout's enthusiastic reaction.

Dan Altavilla

The Twins relief pitcher who gave up the home run to Simpson.

Junior Caminero

A Rays player who knows a thing or two about hitting home runs and celebrated with Simpson after his rare feat.

Brady Williams

The Rays third base coach who Simpson jumped to celebrate with after rounding the bases.

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What they’re saying

“That was pretty cool. Dugout erupted.”

— Kevin Cash, Rays Manager

“I knew it cleared. I saw it hit the wood, but I stopped at second just to make sure. So when they waved their finger around, I'm like, 'Oh, yeah, I gotta jog, hit the Cami celebration and enjoy it.'”

— Chandler Simpson

“Everybody was happy. They were shocked, as I was.”

— Chandler Simpson

“Hell nah. Nah, nah, nah, nah. I was really just trying to hit the ball to shortstop still, and then it just so happened I hit that.”

— Chandler Simpson

What’s next

Simpson plans to keep the home run ball as a memento of his rare power display. The Rays will continue to monitor Simpson's development and see if he can build on this unexpected home run in the regular season.

The takeaway

Chandler Simpson's first career over-the-fence home run is a surprising and exciting milestone for the Rays' speedster, who has been known more for his elite base-stealing abilities than his power hitting. This shows he may have more offensive potential than previously thought, adding an intriguing new dimension to his game.