Future Watch: Steven Souza Baseball Rookie Cards, Tampa Bay Rays – One reason the Tampa Bay Rays have become a team to reckon with has been on the strength of their first round picks. However, this particular right fielder was drafted in the 3rd round in 2007, by the Washington Nationals. So how did Steven Souza end up in Florida?

Souza was a part of a 3-team trade involving the Nationals and the San Diego Padres. It totaled 10 players. Outfielder Wil Myers was the big name at the time, but Souza could be the one people remember when it’s all said and done.

This past season he hit 16 homers and drove in 40 while hitting 15 doubles and stealing 12 bases. His average was low at .225 but he scored 59 runs in 110 games. That’s good production. He had better numbers than Myers so Tampa has to like what they got out of this deal.

At 6′-4″ and 225lbs , the 26 year old overcame a broken hand and wrist problems. When he can put all of that behind him next season, he could have a real breakout year down south.

Collectors should have Souza on their radar. He has a plus arm and terrific speed to go along with everything else. He might not be a five-tool guy, but he is a four-tool player.

Steven Souza’s pre-rookie cards date back to 2007 including 2007 Bowman and an autographed card in 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Edition. He is a bit of an anomaly in the modern hobby as a cursory look on eBay doesn’t show him to have any cards with the official rookie logo designation.

His most popular cards are from 2015 Topps Triple Threads and 2015 Topps Five Star.

Here’s a great defensive play to preserve a no-hitter:

This guy has potential star power. He just has to stay healthy.

Future Watch: Steven Souza Baseball Rookie Cards, Tampa Bay Rays – Image Gallery

Russ Cohen

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