CLEVELAND, Tenn. - It has been one step or one year or two at a time for Logan Workman who has steadily worked his way toward his childhood dream. The progression began after being drafted in the 7th round by Tampa Bay Rays in 2021.
He completed his final All-American season with Coach Mark Brew and the Lee University Flames, and immediately began a professional career in the late summer of 2021. His first full season did not get into full swing until he was assigned to two clubs the following year, the Single-A Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs and High-A Bowling Green (Ky.) Hot Rods.
The former Soddy Daisy hurler was promoted to the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits in 2023 but suffered a pulled oblique muscle which sidelined him for 2½ months. After going back to the Tampa Bay training site, Workman returned to the Biscuits and finished the year strong.
During the summer of 2023 he played with the top upcoming talent from the American and National League prospects in the Arizona Fall League. This past spring a highlight was being invited to spring training with the big-league squad and pitched well against the New York Yankees in an exhibition game.
All the work in the minor leagues began to pay off in 2024. After spring training, he was sent back to Montgomery. Midway of the second year in the Southern League he had now developed into one of the Double-A league's top hurlers. After an outstanding month of July, he was named the Southern League Pitcher of the Month, posting a 3-1 mark and 1.67 earned run average. At that point, his overall pitching mark with Montgomery was 8-5.
The month of August was just as good or maybe even better. In his last outing with the Biscuits, he turned in a dazzling five-inning performance. In his five-inning shutout against the Rocket City Pandas, he struck out a season-high of 10 batters with seven punch-out's against the last 10 hitters he faced.
Workman upped his season record to 10-5 and held an impressive 2.71 ERA. He became the first Southern League pitcher to reach 10 wins. The front office for the Tampa Bay Rays was watching and it was announced that Lee's former All-American righthander was being promoted to the Triple-A Durham, N.C. Bulls.
He promptly worked in three games for the Bulls and notched a 2-1 record. His overall eye-catching 2024 statistics read: 11 wins, 6 losses, 2.96 ERA, 146 innings pitched with 138 strikeouts.
"Yes, it was an exciting call up (to Durham). I was not expecting it but felt like it was needed. The crowds (Bulls) were much larger than at Montgomery for sure. They definitely had a lot of fun at games, and I felt like it was a great atmosphere to pitch in. I pitched against a few guys with big-league time, as well as having teammates with (big league) experience as well," Workman commented after returning to Soddy Daisy for the summer.
"I feel like it was a very big step in my career. I felt like I've worked hard for this, and the work has paid off. I don't think it's done yet, but I do feel like I am where I need to be right now," he pointed out.
"I have no plans for winter or fall ball. I pitched a lot of innings this year, so no more need to continue throwing. Nice off season ahead for me and the arm.
"It could really be a big off-season ahead for me. With the Rule-5 draft and an opportunity to be put on the 40-man (roster) this off season, a lot of things could be coming up. Hopefully, it all will play out the way my agent and I have discussed," he stated with an excited tone.
"I am just super excited to get this off-season started and have a couple trips planned with friends and family. Just ready to see where things take me for this off-season and into next season for sure," a proud Logan Workman said in closing.
When questioned about the current playoffs he said, "I keep an eye on the American and National League playoffs. I have a few teammates from the fall league and one former Ray teammate in the post season. But I'm a Ray, and I hope they all do well and whoever wins, wins. I'm a Ray and will always pull for them!"
Former Flames in Pro Ball: Jose Samayoa and Jeff Ibarra are playing in Mexican League, Wes Albert in the Frontier League, Jordan Howard in Atlantic League, and Alan Carter in the American Association. They are all still chasing their dream as well.
