Final season issues didn’t go the Rays approach, and the staff triggered a rebuild on the commerce deadline by dealing star gamers Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, and Zach Eflin — dramatically overhauling the farm system and establishing 2025 to be a transition yr.
Certainly, the group is stocked with left-handed hitting expertise that’s positive to provide the 2026 Rays a model new look regardless of how nicely the staff performs this yr.
If issues don’t go their approach once more, there are but extra stars that might be traded in Brandon Lowe, Yandy Diaz, and Pete Fairbanks, however for now it appears like all three might be a part of the staff’s plans for the approaching season.
As of right this moment, right here’s what that roster appears like.
vs Proper Handed Pitching
Under, left handed hitting batters obtain one asterisk (*) and switch-hitters two (**).
Yandy Diaz, 1B
Brandone Lowe, 2B*
Junior Caminero, 3B
Josh Lowe, RF*
Richie Palacios, LF*
Danny Jansen, C
Jonathan Aranda, DH*
Jonny DeLuca, CF
Taylor Partitions, SS**
I’m unsure it’s honest to fit Partitions into the beginning lineup given Caballero’s unbelievable run (actually, on the basepaths) because the staff’s main brief cease final season, however regardless of who’s the starter on the place, it’s all a placeholder for Carson Williams, the staff’s prime prospect who simply may push his approach as much as the majors this yr.
It’s for that motive I truly marvel if a commerce of Caballero is perhaps within the playing cards earlier than the tip of the low season. It’s laborious to think about his worth being a lot larger after main the American League in swiped luggage, and until he’s going so as to add outfield to his repertoire, the Rays may want his roster spot elsewhere. Extra on that in a second.
I’ve slotted in Jansen right here at catcher, as the worth tag appears to convey the Rays wish to the 30-year previous backstop to take the lion’s share, nevertheless it’s value noting that 2024’s main catcher Ben Rortvedt is a left handed hitter.
vs Left Handed Pitching
On this part I’ll point out the three platoon choices in daring.
Yandy Diaz, 1B
Junior Caminero, 3B
Brandon Lowe, RF*
Christopher Morel, LF
Curtis Mead, 2B
Danny Jansen, C`
Jose Caballero, SS
Jonny DeLuca, CF
???, DH*
The place and whether or not Brandon Lowe will get reps in opposition to left handed pitching in 2025 might be an fascinating ingredient to the approaching yr.
The Rays are sorely missing proper handed hitting expertise with nook outfield expertise, as neither Partitions or Mead have reps within the outfield within the majors or minors, however Lowe has had some transient appearances there for the Rays over time.
Palacios and J. Lowe mixed for under 81 PA in opposition to left handed pitching final season and appear prone to be strictly platooned subsequent yr, so for me — until the roster building modifications — the probably resolution appears to provide B. Lowe outfield reps, a method that may be helped by each the brief porch and taking part in on grass as an alternative of concrete.
Given the presence of two SS and two C, it’s laborious to see who fills the ultimate slot within the lineup for designated hitter, so it looks as if a probable spot to rotate out and in numerous gamers underneath the present roster building.
That’s, after all, until the Rays determine to commerce or possibility Partitions or Caballero, which would depart room to pursue a RHH outfielder to resolve the roster imbalance.
In that state of affairs, I’d like to see the staff goal a bat like Mark Canha, who provides a veteran presence, affords huge positional versatility — he acquired reps at 1B (50 video games), DH (34), LF (27), RF (16), and 3B (1) in 2024 — and has averaged a 124 wRC+ in opposition to left handed pitching over the past two seasons.
Santa, if you happen to’re listening…
