Behind the Biscuits: Will Simpson
Biscuit’s first baseman, Will Simpson, grew up just outside of Seattle. So, it was no shock when it came time to decide where he would play college ball that it was between both Washington and Washington State. Simpson originally committed to Washington State, but due to coaching turnover for the Cougars it was the Huskies who he ultimately ended up playing for.
“It was an amazing fit. I love the coaching staff there and it was just really cool that my family was so close. Just to have them as my support to come watch every single home game and stuff. But my experience, I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” says Simpson.
As Simpson finished up his career at the University of Washington he wasn’t sure if playing pro ball was going to be in his future. When the draft finally arrived Simpson explains that it was a waiting game, and as the rounds continued to pass his hopes dwindled so he prepared to return to college for a fifth year. But then, Simpson received a text from an old friend, who he grew up playing baseball with, congratulating him on being drafted.
This text understandably caught Simpson off-guard, but he was excited nonetheless to get his professional career started. Simpson was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 15th round of the 2023 MLB Draft as the 436th pick.
However, Simpson did not spend an extensive period of time with the A’s Organization. After being drafted in 2023, he was traded in December of 2024 to the Rays.
“I woke up to a phone call from the director of player development with the A’s, and he said you just got traded to the Rays and best of luck. That was pretty much it, so you really get the full business portion of baseball when something like that happens,” explains Simpson.
When Simpson came on board with the Rays, he was able to reconnect with that same friend who texted him the exciting news that he’d been drafted, that player is pitcher Owen Wild. Both Simpson and Wild
in Montgomery now playing for the butter and blue.
“It’s really awesome seeing just the growth that you guys have done together. Even though you’re on your separate paths, you still want the same common goal. So seeing that growth and your dreams coming true is also its really cool,” says Simpson.
Simpson is listed as No. 30 on the Rays Prospect List and his projected call up date to the majors is listed as 2026.
