Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

Flemming made a late push up Draft boards by enjoying a strong spring as a senior at Aliso Niguel High School in California, and that surge ended with him being selected by the Rays in the second round of the 2025 Draft before signing for an above-slot bonus of $2,297,500. After selecting him, Rays amateur scouting director Chuck Ricci said the club was drawn to Flemming’s makeup as much as any physical trait the Vanderbilt commit showed during the workout process.

At the time he was drafted, Flemming was listed at 6-foot-3 but just 190 pounds, a projectable frame -- and a big one, especially for a shortstop. He reportedly grew half an inch and put on 25 pounds between the time he was drafted and his first Spring Training, so clearly there was room to grow. That should give him even more power to round out an intriguing offensive profile. He has a simple setup from the left side of the plate, with clean mechanics and a solid approach. He could develop into average power, perhaps more, if he adds loft to his swing to go along with his increased strength.

As a pitcher, Flemming’s fastball reached the low 90s, so he clearly has the arm to handle shortstop or move over to third, if necessary. He’s an average runner and perhaps a tick better at top speed, but he also has reliable hands, fluid movements and a steady internal clock on the dirt. He’s regarded as a hard worker with a lot of natural curiosity about the game. But he’s more of an upright defender, given his size, and any more growth could force a move to the hot corner that will put more pressure on his promising bat.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

Aliso Niguel High School in California has produced one big leaguer, catcher Blake Sabol -- who went on to Southern Cal for college before starting his pro career -- and didn’t have a player drafted since 2019 entering this summer. Flemming, who came to the school from Genesha High in time for his senior year, broke that dry spell after rushing up Draft boards with a strong spring. He went to the Rays in the second round and signed for above-slot at $2,297,500.

Tall and thin, Flemming is a 6-foot-3 projectable shortstop with a chance to hit from the left side of the plate. He employs a simple setup at the dish with good mechanics and a solid approach and could be an above-average hitter at the next level. There's raw power in there for him to tap into as he learns to add loft, with some thinking it could be average pop in the future if he can add strength to his lean frame.

Flemming has plenty of arm to stick at shortstop, having shown the ability to fire fastballs in the low 90s off the mound. An average runner who might be a tick better when underway, Flemming has good hands and instincts, though not everyone was convinced he could stick at short long-term ahead of the Draft. A move to third might put more pressure on his bat.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

Aliso Niguel High School in California has produced one big leaguer, catcher Blake Sabol, who went on to Southern Cal for college before starting his pro career, and hasn't had a player drafted since 2019. Flemming, who came to the school from Genesha High in time for his senior year, has the chance to break that dry spell as he's been rushing up Draft boards with a strong spring.

Tall and thin, Flemming is a 6-foot-3 projectable shortstop with a chance to hit from the left side of the plate. He employs a simple setup at the dish with good mechanics and a solid approach and could be an above-average hitter at the next level. There's raw power in there for him to tap into as he learns to add some loft, with some thinking it could be average pop in the future if he can add strength to his lean frame.

Flemming has plenty of arm to stick at shortstop, having shown the ability to fire fastballs in the low 90s off the mound. An average runner who might be a tick better when underway, Flemming has good hands and instincts, though not everyone is convinced he can stick at short long term. A move to third might put more pressure on his bat, but the first obstacle might be his commitment to Vanderbilt when considering him on Day 2 of the Draft.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/24/2026	SS Cooper Flemming assigned to Tampa Bay Rays.
	03/05/2026	SS Cooper Flemming assigned to Tampa Bay Rays Prospects.
	08/06/2025	FCL Rays activated SS Cooper Flemming.
	08/03/2025	SS Cooper Flemming assigned to FCL Rays.
	07/23/2025	Tampa Bay Rays signed SS Cooper Flemming.
	05/30/2025	Bristol State Liners activated SS Cooper Flemming.
	05/26/2025	College Workout activated SS Cooper Flemming.
	05/23/2025	College Workout activated SS Cooper Flemming.
	09/30/2024	SS Cooper Flemming assigned to High School Workout.
	06/30/2024	High School Workout activated SS Cooper Flemming.