Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
MTSU’s Trace Phillips signs with Tampa Bay Rays
7/28/2025 4:12:00 PM | Baseball
TAMPA — Middle Tennessee baseball's sophomore two-way standout Trace Phillips has signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as an undrafted free agent, announced Monday.
Phillips, who spent the past two seasons with the Blue Raiders, inked a deal that includes a signing bonus of $629,200 (slot value of a 3rd Round - Pick 120 in the MLB Draft). It the second highest bonus for an undrafted free agent in MLB history.
A native of Spring Hill, Tenn., Phillips made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2024, appearing in 55 games and making 13 pitching appearances. He batted .313 with 61 hits, 47 RBIs and 13 home runs, ranking second on the team in long balls.
On the mound, he started nine games, logging 42.2 innings — fourth most on the team — and solidified a weekend starter role down the stretch. His performance earned him Conference USA Second Team and All-Freshman Team honors.
This past season, Phillips opened as the Blue Raiders' Friday starter, hitting 97 mph in his debut against Bowling Green. He tossed six scoreless innings in that outing, and on Feb. 21, he was named Conference USA Pitcher of the Week after striking out nine while walking just one in six shutout frames against FDU. Phillips began the year with 12 consecutive scoreless innings before injuries would sideline him for the majority of the season.
"We are very happy for Trace and his family," said Head Coach Jerry Meyers. "It is an opportunity well-deserved and earned for him, and I know he will do extremely well as a professional. As talented as he is, the Tampa Bay Rays are getting an even better human being. We wish him well as he embarks on his life-long dream of making it to the Big Leagues. He will always be a big part of Blue Raider Baseball."
The Rays, who reached the 2020 World Series and remain a consistent contender in the American League East, add Phillips as a promising two-way talent to their system.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Stay up to date with the Blue Raiders on X (@MT_Baseball), Facebook (Blue Raider Baseball), and Instagram (@MT_Baseball).
Phillips, who spent the past two seasons with the Blue Raiders, inked a deal that includes a signing bonus of $629,200 (slot value of a 3rd Round - Pick 120 in the MLB Draft). It the second highest bonus for an undrafted free agent in MLB history.
A native of Spring Hill, Tenn., Phillips made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2024, appearing in 55 games and making 13 pitching appearances. He batted .313 with 61 hits, 47 RBIs and 13 home runs, ranking second on the team in long balls.
On the mound, he started nine games, logging 42.2 innings — fourth most on the team — and solidified a weekend starter role down the stretch. His performance earned him Conference USA Second Team and All-Freshman Team honors.
This past season, Phillips opened as the Blue Raiders' Friday starter, hitting 97 mph in his debut against Bowling Green. He tossed six scoreless innings in that outing, and on Feb. 21, he was named Conference USA Pitcher of the Week after striking out nine while walking just one in six shutout frames against FDU. Phillips began the year with 12 consecutive scoreless innings before injuries would sideline him for the majority of the season.
"We are very happy for Trace and his family," said Head Coach Jerry Meyers. "It is an opportunity well-deserved and earned for him, and I know he will do extremely well as a professional. As talented as he is, the Tampa Bay Rays are getting an even better human being. We wish him well as he embarks on his life-long dream of making it to the Big Leagues. He will always be a big part of Blue Raider Baseball."
The Rays, who reached the 2020 World Series and remain a consistent contender in the American League East, add Phillips as a promising two-way talent to their system.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Stay up to date with the Blue Raiders on X (@MT_Baseball), Facebook (Blue Raider Baseball), and Instagram (@MT_Baseball).
Players Mentioned
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