PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Finally, Spring Training is here.
Rays pitchers and catchers are reporting to Charlotte Sports Park this week, with those scheduled to take part in the World Baseball Classic due Monday and others expected to filter in over the coming days before the full squad arrives next week.
This should be an interesting camp for Tampa Bay, coming off a second straight losing season and now under new ownership. The front office was busy as usual over the winter, moving out several familiar faces (Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, Shane Baz, Pete Fairbanks) and bringing in some new names (Gavin Lux, Jake Fraley, Cedric Mullins, Steven Matz, Ben Williamson) while balancing their desire to contend in the present with their hope for a brighter future.
A handful of key players will be away from the team for a time this spring as they represent their countries in the WBC, but this spring could also be different based on the amount of competition expected in camp.
That makes the task of projecting the Rays’ Opening Day roster a bit more of a challenge, but we’ll give it another shot as the march toward the March 26 season opener in St. Louis officially begins.
Catcher (2): Nick Fortes, Hunter Feduccia
These two took over around the Trade Deadline last year, and the Rays haven’t made any significant additions behind the plate since then. They expect more out of Feduccia offensively based on what he’s done in the Minors (OPS over .830 every year from 2023-25).
First baseman (1): Jonathan Aranda
Yandy Díaz played a lot of first base when Aranda was injured late last season, but the Rays’ preference was clearly to have the All-Star Aranda at first most days.
Second baseman (1): Gavin Lux
President of baseball operations Erik Neander made it clear when Tampa Bay traded for Lux that he is the “leading candidate” to handle this position, and the Rays don’t intend to move him around.
Shortstop (1): Taylor Walls
Could top prospect Carson Williams make a push for regular reps with a strong spring? Maybe. But for now, this job belongs to the slick-fielding Walls.
Third baseman (1): Junior Caminero
No questions here. Don’t forget that, for all the power he provided, Caminero turned into a dependable defensive third baseman last season, too.
Outfielders (4): Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, Jake Fraley, Jonny DeLuca
This could go any number of ways, but this seems like the safest bet for now: Mullins in center, flanked by Simpson in left and Fraley in right. Simpson’s defense is still a work in progress, but it’s hard to deny the impact he can have with his contact hitting and speed. Mullins is hoping to bounce back after an ugly second half with the Mets, and Fraley is hoping for better health. DeLuca could be a right-handed complement to all three lefty hitters, and his ability to play good defense in center gives him a leg up on the competition. The left-handed-hitting Victor Mesa Jr. could also be in the mix, though the 24-year-old has one Minor League option remaining.
DH (1): Yandy Díaz
Spending most of his time as Tampa Bay’s DH, Díaz played a career-high 150 games and had the second-best offensive season of his career, behind only his American League batting title campaign in 2023.
Bench/Utility (2): Ben Williamson, Ryan Vilade
These two right-handed hitters have traits this roster could use. Williamson is an excellent defensive third baseman who has played some shortstop and second base, and the Rays acquired him from the Mariners to be their right-handed-hitting utility infielder. Vilade is another right-handed complement to the lefty-hitting corner outfielders, and he can play the corner infield spots as well. This leaves out Richie Palacios, who is also useful but bats left-handed.
Starting Pitchers (5): Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Ryan Pepiot, Steven Matz, Nick Martinez
This is assuming McClanahan is ready to go by Opening Day, and every indication to this point has been that he’ll have a normal Spring Training. The agreement to sign Martinez solidifies the final spot and gives the Rays a comfortable amount of depth in the form of Joe Boyle, Ian Seymour, Jesse Scholtens, Mason Englert and Yoendrys Gómez, among others.
Relief Pitchers (8): Griffin Jax, Edwin Uceta, Garrett Cleavinger, Bryan Baker, Steven Wilson, Hunter Bigge, Cole Sulser, Yoendrys Gómez
The first five seem pretty much set. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. Bigge has big-time stuff, although he might need more time in his return from a scary incident last year. Sulser and Gómez are out of Minor League options, and both could provide flexibility and some length, especially with Gómez being stretched out as a starter. If the Rays want a second lefty, maybe Joe Rock or Cam Booser could snag the spot we carved out for Bigge or Sulser.