Tampa Bay Rays News

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Richie Palacios • LF • Rays

Richie Palacios Will Get Reps at Third Base

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Richie Palacios will see reps at third base during spring training, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Palacios has mostly played the outfield in the major leagues, but he's also seen time at second base. The 28-year-old should be the backup option behind Gavin Lux at the keystone in 2026, but he'll increase his versatility in camp this year by getting some experience at the hot corner. Palacios, a former third-rounder by the Cleveland Guardians in 2018 out of Towson University, missed most of the 2025 campaign (17 games played) due to a broken right ring finger and a sprained knee. The Rays are willing to give him more playing time to see what he can do after he hit .223/.346/.318 with a .664 OPS, five home runs, 21 RBI, 46 runs, and 19 steals in 92 games in 2024. Palacios has plenty of plate discipline and speed, so if he's playing regularly, he could be a nice late-round sleeper in deeper fantasy leagues in 2026.

Yesterday

Edwin Uceta • RP • Rays

Edwin Uceta Skipping WBC Due to "Cranky" Shoulder

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta (shoulder) will skip pitching in this year's World Baseball Classic due to a "little cranky" right shoulder, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The good news is that the Rays are "very confident" that Uceta will be ready for Opening Day on March 26. The 28-year-old Dominican will play a key role at the back end of Tampa's bullpen this year and is expected to share high-leverage closing duties with Griffin Jax and Garrett Cleavinger now that Pete Fairbanks is no longer in town. Manager Kevin Cash said the decision to keep Uceta out of the WBC was a precautionary move. In 76 innings last year, Uceta had a 3.79 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, one save, 21 holds, a career-high 103 strikeouts, and 27 walks in 70 appearances. His 38.7% whiff rate on his four-seam fastball ranked second overall in the big leagues, and he was just one of five relievers to reach 100 K's. While he may not rack up a ton of saves, Uceta will be useful for his ratios and holds.

2 days ago

Junior Caminero • 3B • Rays

Junior Caminero Reportedly Trims Down, Appears in Great Shape

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero "trimmed down and looks in great shape," according to an observation from sideline reporter Ryan Bass at spring training. Caminero, whose official bio lists him at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, occupied an everyday role at the hot corner last year. Across 154 games, he slashed .264/.311/.535 with 45 homers, 110 RBI, and 129 wRC+. He cut down his strikeout rate to a career-low 19.1%, which is certainly serviceable for someone with tremendous power. He finished the year with 22.5 fWAR at the plate and -0.4 fWAR in the field. His defense wasn't spectacular, but he played well enough that the Rays are able to justify playing him every day to get his terrific bat in the lineup. Plus, we wouldn't be surprised to see him develop into an above-average defender now that he's in better shape and has a full season at the hot corner ahead of him. Currently, Caminero ranks as the #2 third baseman in RotoBaller's fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

Feb 9

Shane McClanahan • SP • Rays

Shane McClanahan Expected to be Ready by Opening Day

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash and president of baseball operations Erik Neander said that left-hander Shane McClanahan (triceps) will get a full build-up in spring training, and the expectation is that he'll be ready for Opening Day, according to Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Florida. "The last six or eight weeks have been really, really good," pitching coach Kyle Snyder said. "I think we'll consider the math in terms of the season and where he slots, but he's being totally built up to start, with the expectation that he'll be in our rotation." The 28-year-old southpaw is a dice roll going into 2026 since he hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2023. McClanahan made only two minor-league rehab starts last year before having season-ending surgery on his triceps in August. The two-time All-Star will be hoping to find his pre-injury form in 2026 while the Rays manage his workload.

Feb 9

Nick Martinez • SP • Rays

Nick Martinez Agrees to One-Year Deal With Rays

Free-agent pitcher Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a one-year deal on Monday, pending a physical. The contract is for $13 million and includes a mutual option for 2027. Martinez had an up-and-down season last year, going 11-14 with a 4.45 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. However, he fared much better as a reliever. His final 11 appearances came in relief, and the right-hander posted a 2.61 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 20 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. The Rays are expected to use the 35-year-old as a starter, but his experience as a reliever will give them some flexibility. Be that as it may, and although the veteran hurler had been effective in the three seasons before 2025, recording sub-3.50 ERAs in those campaigns, the 6-foot-1 pitcher doesn't move the needle in most standard-sized fantasy leagues right now.

Feb 9

Ryan Pepiot • SP • Rays

Ryan Pepiot Returning to More Favorable Home Park in 2026

Across 167 2/3 innings (31 starts) in 2025, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot posted an 11-12 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts. Since being acquired by Tampa Bay from the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season, Pepiot has emerged as a consistent source of quality strikeout rate (25.4%) and WHIP (1.16). However, he's allowed an average of 1.4 home runs per nine innings pitched, which has led to a relatively elevated ERA. Heading into 2026, Pepiot will have the advantage of returning to Tropicana Field for his home games after making his home starts in a Minor League park in 2025. That could help the 28-year-old put it all together and log his best MLB season to date. Even if Pepiot's underlying metrics hold steady, he's still proven himself a capable starting pitcher option for fantasy managers. With a current average draft position of pick 146, Pepiot profiles as a solid fantasy SP3.

Feb 8

Drew Rasmussen • SP • Rays

Drew Rasmussen: High-Upside Starting Pitcher Option with Health Concerns

On a per-inning basis, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen was one of the best hurlers in the big leagues in 2025. Across 150 innings (31 starts), the 30-year-old posted a 10-5 record with a 2.76 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts. However, volume remains a problem for Rasmussen's fantasy outlook, as he averaged fewer than five innings pitched per start. He also struck batters out at just a 21.7% clip, which means he will leave fantasy managers wanting in the strikeout category unless he can greatly increase his innings workload. On the bright side, 2025 was Rasmussen's first season after throwing just 73 1/3 combined innings across 2023 and 2024 due to injury. With a full season of health under his belt, Tampa Bay may look to push him closer to 175 innings in 2026. However, Rasmussen has already undergone three major elbow procedures in his career, so he carries significant injury risk. Fantasy managers can rely on Rasmussen for excellent ratios when healthy, but may be wise to temper expectations for his workload volume heading into 2026.

Feb 7

Victor Mesa Jr. • CF • Rays

Rays Claim Victor Mesa Jr. Off Waivers From Marlins

The Tampa Bay Rays claimed outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. from the Miami Marlins on Friday, sources told Francys Romero. The athletic Cuban outfielder will have a real opportunity to win an Opening Day roster spot out of spring training with the Rays. The 24-year-old left-handed hitter made his major-league debut in 2025 with the Marlins and really struggled at the plate, going 6-for-32 (.188) with one home run, six RBI, five walks, and five strikeouts in a small sample size of only 16 games played. Mesa looked a lot better at Triple-A Jacksonville in 171 plate appearances, posting an OPS of .887 while hitting .301 with seven home runs and 30 RBI. If Mesa wins a roster spot with the Rays to begin the 2026 regular season, he'll most likely be an extra outfielder off the bench.

Feb 6

Edwin Uceta • RP • Rays

Edwin Uceta Wins Arbitration Case Against Rays

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta won his salary arbitration case against the team on Friday, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Uceta will make $1.525 million in 2026 after the Rays offered him $1.2 million. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler will return to the Rays for his third season this year after going 10-3 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, one save, and a 103:27 K:BB in 76 relief innings. His 103 punchouts were a new career high in his fifth year in the big leagues. Uceta was even better for the Rays in 2024, with a 1.51 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, a career-high five saves, and a 57:8 K:BB in 41 2/3 frames. He gets plenty of swings and misses with his fastball/changeup combination, and he's expected to open the 2026 campaign in a closer-by-committee role in Tampa. Uceta was one of just five relief pitchers last year to reach the 100-strikeout mark, so even if he's not racking up many save chances, he should be useful for his strikeout ratios.

Feb 6

Taylor Walls • SS • Rays

Taylor Walls Appears Set to Start at Shortstop

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Taylor Walls will likely start at shortstop to open the season, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com. Walls is working his way back from a groin strain that cost him the final two months of the regular season. He played 101 games in 2025, slashing just .220/.280/.319 with a career-low 8.2% walk rate and 22.1% strikeout rate. He contributed just 66 wRC+, which is concerning. However, he made up for his subpar hitting with above-average production in the field. He posted 1 OAA, 1 FRV, and 3.6 fWAR on defense last year, bringing his overall total WAR contribution to 0.3 wins. While Berry reports that Walls should patrol shortstop on Opening Day, it's worth noting that the 29-year-old switch-hitter doesn't have the greatest job security. Former top prospect Carson Williams, who debuted last year, is on the 40-man roster, and the Rays also have middle infield depth in Brett Wisely and Jadher Areinamo.

Feb 4

Ben Williamson • 3B • Rays

Ben Williamson Heading to Rays in Three-Team Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring third baseman Ben Williamson from the Seattle Mariners on Monday in a three-team deal that also includes the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Williamson is mostly known for his glove at the hot corner. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 made his major-league debut in Seattle in 2025 and hit .253/.294/.310 with a .604 OPS, only one home run, 21 RBI, 36 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 277 at-bats over 85 games played. It was looking like he would benefit in 2026 with Eugenio Suarez signing with the Reds in free agency, but now that he's in Tampa, he'll most likely begin the season at Triple-A Durham with Junior Caminero locking down the third base job at the big-league level. Williamson also makes decent contact, but as a bench player with limited power, he won't be on the fantasy radar in Tampa.

Feb 2

Tre' Morgan • 1B • Rays

Tre' Morgan to Compete for Starting Role?

Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Tre' Morgan is expected to be in contention for an early promotion to the major leagues in 2026. Morgan is currently considered the No. 11-ranked prospect in the Tampa Bay system on MLB.com. Last summer, the former third-round pick from the 2023 MLB Draft spent the entire campaign with Triple-A Durham, playing at a high level. Through 92 games, Morgan held a .274/.398/.412 line with a strong .810 OPS. Morgan hit 15 doubles, three triples, and added eight round-trippers. He swiped eight bags and showed strong eye at the plate, posting a 77:64 K:BB. While Jonathan Aranda will likely serve as the primary first baseman in Tampa Bay, Morgan has experience in the outfield, which could be an easier path to the majors. Given his strong play last season, he is a top name to monitor during spring training.

Jan 29

Chandler Simpson • CF • Rays

Can Chandler Simpson's Speed Continue to Carry his Profile?

Tampa Bay Rays speedy outfielder Chandler Simpson made his major-league debut in 2025 and didn't disappoint with his wheels, stealing 44 bases in 109 games. Simpson also hit an impressive .295 (122-for-414), but outside of his speed and high average, there was a lot to pick apart. The 25-year-old former second-rounder was caught stealing a league-high 12 times, had zero home runs, and only drove in 26 runs while hitting at the bottom of the batting order. Simpson's lack of power is a major drawback, and his subpar defense puts him at risk of losing playing time if he's not hitting and getting on base regularly. On the plus side, Simpson hit over .300 against both fastballs and breaking pitches in his first year in the big leagues. If you draft Simpson specifically for his speed, you'll need to get your power elsewhere. Heading into his sophomore season, RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 39 fantasy outfielder.

Jan 28

Cam Booser • RP • Rays

Rays Sign Cam Booser to Minor-League Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed free-agent relief pitcher Cam Booser to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Booser took a significant step backward during the 2025 season. In 2024, Booser registered a 3.38 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and a 43/16 K/BB ratio across 43 games with the Boston Red Sox. The 33-year-old headed to the Chicago White Sox last season and completely fell apart. Booser finished with a 5.52 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, and a 35/19 K/BB ratio in 39 games with the South Siders. The biggest problem was the home run ball, as Booser allowed eight long balls in 31.0 innings of work last season. It's a low-risk move by the Rays, who do have a good history of turning around players coming off down seasons. He'll likely serve as middle relief with little to no fantasy value, assuming he makes the team.

Jan 28

Junior Caminero • 3B • Rays

Junior Caminero a Top Fantasy Option After Breakout Campaign

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero enjoyed a massive breakout campaign in 2025, and he should remain a top fantasy option at third base in 2026. Caminero occupied an everyday role at the hot corner last year, and he delivered enormous contributions with the bat in his hands. Across 154 games, he slashed .264/.311/.535 with 45 homers, 110 RBI, and 129 wRC+. He cut down his strikeout rate to a career-low 19.1%, which is an acceptable rate for a power hitter of Caminero's caliber. He finished the year with 22.5 fWAR at the plate and -0.4 fWAR in the field. His defense wasn't spectacular, but he played well enough that the Rays are able to justify playing him every day to get his terrific bat in the lineup. As it stands, he's the #2 third baseman in RotoBaller's fantasy baseball draft rankings, trailing only Jose Ramirez at the position.

Jan 27

Jacob Melton • LF • Rays

Jacob Melton Primed for Large Role in Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton could take on a large role in his debut season with the Rays. Melton was shipped to Tampa Bay in a three-team trade this offseason from the Houston Astros. Melton made his MLB debut last season and appeared in only 32 contests with the Astros. During this brief taste, the outfielder posted a .157/.234/.186, with an impressive seven stolen bases. Through 82 career games at Triple-A, the former second-round selection has held a .271/.347/.468 line with an .815 OPS. During this stretch, Melton has hit 11 home runs and stolen 23 bases. With Josh Lowe being shipped to the Angels earlier in the offseason as well, Melton will face even less competition for a prominent role in Tampa Bay. Given his speed upside, he is worth monitoring in deeper five-outfielder leagues during spring training.

Jan 27

Jonathan Aranda • 1B • Rays

Jonathan Aranda a Potential Breakout Candidate in Full-Time Role

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda is a potential breakout candidate as he ascends into a full-time role for the 2026 season. The 27-year-old was named an American League All-Star for the first time in 2025. He finished the campaign with 2.5 fWAR, which is the highest mark of his four-year career so far. Aranda played a career-high 106 games, slashing .316/.393/.489 with 14 home runs and 146 wRC+ as the Rays' primary first baseman. He will likely earn even more playing time in 2026, especially as Yandy Diaz earns more starts at designated hitter and handles fewer first-base reps. Aranda currently ranks as the #16 first baseman in RotoBaller's fantasy baseball draft rankings for the 2026 season.

Jan 27

Emmanuel Rodriguez • CF • Twins |

Manuel Rodríguez • RP • Rays

Emmanuel Rodriguez to Break Camp with MLB Roster?

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez is a name to closely monitor during spring training as he could crack the Opening Day roster. According to MLB.com, Rodriguez is viewed as the No. 69 overall-ranked prospect in the sport and the No. 4-ranked in the Minnesota system. Rodriguez has battled numerous injuries during his minor league career, but has flashed immense upside when on the field. Last summer, the 22-year-old appeared in only 65 games in the minor leagues. He spent most of the year with Triple-A St. Paul (52 games), where he held a .258/.429/.423 line with seven doubles, six home runs, and nine stolen bases. While Byron Buxton is slated to cover center field, the corner outfield positions could be open for Rodriguez to claim. Managers in deeper five-outfielder leagues should keep a close eye on Rodriguez during spring training.

Jan 26

Carson Williams • SS • Rays

Carson Williams Set to Earn Everyday Role?

Tampa Bay Rays top infield prospect Carson Williams made his MLB debut late in the season and appears to be the favorite to land the starting shortstop job out of spring training. During his first 32-game stint with Tampa Bay, the former 28th overall pick (from the 2021 MLB Draft) posted a .172/.219/.354 line but showed solid power upside, launching five home runs. However, his hefty 41.5% K% tainted his production. Earlier in the season, Williams spent the entire campaign with Triple-A Durham, where he posted a .213/.318/.447 line with a .765 OPS. He hit 23 home runs and swiped 22 bases. While his strikeout rate will hinder his upside in points leagues, Williams has shown a solid power and speed skill set that could translate to deeper category formats. He is worth monitoring in spring training as he could be a viable late-round depth middle infielder in 15+ team formats.

Jan 21

Gavin Lux • LF • Rays

Gavin Lux to Primarily Play Second Base for Rays

According to Marc Topkin, newly acquired infielder/outfielder Gavin Lux is going to primarily play second base with the Tampa Bay Rays. It sounds like Lux is going to step in and fill the void left by Brandon Lowe. Rays' president of baseball operations Erik Neander sounds confident in Lux being an everyday option at the keystone. Lux spent most of his time in left field or as the designated hitter during his time with the Cincinnati Reds last season. He did play full-time at second base during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so it's not an unfamiliar position to him. Last season, Lux slashed .269/.350/.374 with five home runs and 53 RBI in 140 games with the Reds. The loss of power at the position is significant because Lowe smacked 31 homers with the Rays last season. The front office clearly sees something in Lux, so maybe they can tap into some hidden potential.

Jan 16

Tampa Bay Rays News

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