Tampa Bay Rays News

Shane McClanahan  • SP  •  Rays

Rays Expect Shane McClanahan To Throw Around 150 Innings Next Year

Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said on MLB Network that the team expects left-hander Shane McClanahan (elbow) to throw "150-ish" innings in his return to action in 2025. McClanahan had his second Tommy John surgery in August of 2023 and didn't pitch at all for the Rays this past season as a result. However, the 27-year-old southpaw has been working through a normal offseason throwing program and should be ready to go in 2025, barring a setback. Look no further than right-hander Walker Buehler's struggles in 2024 in his return from a second Tommy John surgery to see the risks involved with rostering McClanahan in fantasy in 2025. Before his second elbow surgery, McClanahan was a fantasy ace, though, making back-to-back All-Star teams in 2022 and 2023 and finishing sixth in the AL Cy Young voting in 2022.
23 hours ago   
Will Simpson  • 1B  •  Rays

Will Simpson Traded To Tampa Bay

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring first base prospect Will Simpson, among others, from the Athletics in exchange for Jeffrey Springs. Simpson was drafted by the Athletics in the 15th Round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Washington. Simpson got a brief look at the Single-A level that same summer and held his own, posting a .322/.373/.522 slash line with 11 doubles, four home runs, and three stolen bases. In 2024, the infielder logged 109 games at the High-A level and carried a .270/.373/.480 line with 27 doubles, 16 home runs, and four stolen bases. He then earned a small 18-game stint at Double-A and continued to perform well, boasting a .348/.408/.493 line. While he may still be at least a season away from his big league debut, given his rather fast progression through the minor leagues, dynasty managers should closely monitor his progression within the Tampa Bay system in 2025.
3 days ago   
Jacob Watters  • SP  •  Rays

Jacob Watters Shipped To Tampa Bay

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, right-handed pitcher Jacob Watters was included in the package that sent Jeffrey Springs to the Athletics from the Tampa Bay Rays. Watters was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Athletics out of West Virginia. In 2023, Watters spent the entire season at the High-A level and held a 6.62 ERA and 1.68 WHIP across 84 1/3 innings as a starter. In 2024, Watters operated primarily as a starter but did occasionally appear as a reliever. The 23-year-old opened the campaign at High-A and posted a slightly improved 5.04 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with 56 punchouts through 60 2/3 innings of work. Watters then ended his season by getting a brief three-inning look at the Double-A level and allowed three runs during this test. Fantasy managers in dynasty formats should not consider stashing Watters on their roster, as he still needs to show extended consistency in the upper levels of the minor leagues before pushing for a big league debut.
3 days ago   
Joe Boyle  • SP  •  Rays

Rays Land Joe Boyle In Trade With A's

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-handers Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters, outfielder Will Simpson and a compensation Round A draft pick from the Athletics on Saturday in exchange for left-hander Jeffrey Springs, according to sources. Boyle is the biggest piece headed back to Tampa. The 25-year-old had a 1.69 ERA in three starts in Oakland in his debut in 2023, but he wasn't as effective in 13 outings (10 starts) this past season, going 3-6 with a bloated 6.42 ERA (4.68 FIP), 1.72 WHIP and 56:40 K:BB in his 47 2/3 innings pitched in the big leagues. It didn't help he missed a month with a lower-back injury. Given the Rays' history with pitchers, Boyle could still be something special, but he won't be guaranteed to make the club's Opening Day roster out of spring training.
3 days ago   
Wander Franco  • SS  •  Rays

Wander Franco's Trial Delayed To June 2

The trail of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco for charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking was postponed on Thursday until June 2 of next year after a judge in the Dominican Republic ruled that key witnesses were not located in time to meet the original trial date of Dec. 12. If convicted, Franco could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Of the 36 witnesses scheduled to testify in the case, only three were present on Thursday. Although the legal process still has to play out, there remains a pretty good chance that the 23-year-old won't play in major-league baseball ever again. He was placed on indefinite administrative leave on Aug. 22 of 2023 in the midst of his third MLB season, and he was added to the restricted list in July of 2024. In addition to his trial, Franco is under investigation until the case is resolved.
5 days ago   
Mike Vasil  • SP  •  Rays

Mike Vasil Acquired By Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired pitching prospect Mike Vasil from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. Vasil was selected by the Phillies earlier on Wednesday during the Rule 5 draft from the New York Mets but will now take his talents to Tampa Bay. Vasil has spent his entire professional career with the New York Mets. He spent the past two summers pitching at the Triple-A level. Last season, the right-hander posted a 6.04 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP across 134 innings of work. The previous season, he held a slightly better 5.30 ERA and 1.48 WHIP at Triple-A. Before moving to a new club, Vasil was considered the No.18 prospect in the Mets system on MLB Pipeline. Fantasy managers should expect the 24-year-old to open the season at the Triple-A level once again.
6 days ago   
Danny Jansen  • C  •  Rays

Danny Jansen, Rays Agree To One-Year Deal

Free-agent catcher Danny Jansen and the Tampa Bay Rays agreed on a one-year, $8.5 million deal on Friday that includes a mutual option for a second season in 2026, according to sources. Jansen played for the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox in 2024 and will remain in the American League East. In 92 games for the Jays and Red Sox this past season, Jansen struggled to the tune of a .205/.309/.349 slash line with a well below-average .658 OPS, nine home runs, 24 RBI and 35 runs scored in 324 total plate appearances. Injuries continue to limit the 29-year-old's playing time, but he did post double-digit home runs in the previous three seasons at the weak catcher position. Jansen could have a rebound season in Tampa in 2025 while splitting playing time with Ben Rortvedt, but he's going to need to stay healthy, which has been an issue for him in his MLB career.
Dec 6   
Emmanuel Rodriguez  • CF  •  Twins  |  Manuel Rodríguez  • RP  •  Rays

Emmanuel Rodriguez Will Have "Real Chance" To Debut In 2025

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (thumb) will have a "real chance" to contribute in the major leagues in 2025, according to Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll. Zoll spoke on Sirius XM MLB Radio and noted that the top prospect underwent a minor thumb procedure late last summer and will likely begin the season in St. Paul. However, Zoll said that if he starts off well, he should be in a great position to debut sometime this upcoming season. The No.2 prospect in the Minnesota system and No.21 overall on MLB.com spent most of 2024 with Double-A and held an excellent .298/.479/.621 line with 12 doubles, eight home runs, and nine stolen bases. He then appeared in nine games at Triple-A St. Paul before suffering his season-ending injury. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should pay close attention to his progress during Spring Training, as he may only require a minor tune-up at Triple-A before heading to Minnesota.
Dec 1   
Chandler Simpson  • SS  •  Rays

Chandler Simpson Crowned Tampa Bay's Top Hitting Prospect For 2024

MLB Pipeline named outfielder Chandler Simpson Tampa Bay's top-hitting prospect of the 2024 campaign. Simpson opened the season by getting his second look at High-A ball. However, he needed only 32 games to prove he was ready to move up to Double-A after posting a stellar .364/.431/.372 slash line. In his first 78 games with Double-A Montgomery, Simpson continued to showcase his elite hitting skills, as he posted a .351/.401/.407 slash line. In addition to his elite contact skills, Simpson also stole a remarkable 104 basses across 110 games last summer. However, he has yet to showcase any true power and has hit just one home run throughout his entire minor-league career. Given his strong production in his first look at the Double-A level, the No. 4-ranked prospect in Tampa Bay could spend most of the 2025 season at Triple-A.
Dec 1   
Wander Franco  • SS  •  Rays

Wander Franco Now Facing Weapons Charges

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will now face charges of illegal use and possession of a firearm after he was arrested in the Dominican Republic countryside during an armed altercation on Sunday, according to public prosecutors. Franco had been held for questioning by police but is expected to be granted his release on Tuesday. A Glock with its magazines and 15 rounds of ammunition but no registration papers were found in Franco's Mercedes-Benz at the time of the altercation. There were no injuries, and the involved parties won't be pressing charges. The use and possession of illegal firearms carries a maximum sentence of three to five years. Franco is currently on indefinite administrative leave from MLB and will stand trial in the DR on Dec. 12 in a separate case involving charges of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor. He's unlikely to play baseball in the big leagues again.
Nov 12   
Shane McClanahan  • SP  •  Rays

Shane McClanahan Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (elbow) is expected to have a normal, healthy offseason after completing his rehab program from Tommy John Surgery on Sept. 25 by throwing 15 to 16 pitches in a live batting practice session at Tropicana Field. McClanahan looked good during that session and was hitting 94 to 95 mph. He had his second TJ surgery back on Aug. 21 of 2023 and missed the entire 2024 season for the Rays. The 27-year-old southpaw has been an All-Star twice and is expected to be fully ready for the start of spring training in February. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks during the spring, McClanahan will open the start of the 2025 regular season atop Tampa's starting rotation. Although McClanahan has high-end fantasy upside when healthy, he'll also probably be on a strict pitch count early on.
Nov 12   
Wander Franco  • SS  •  Rays

Wander Franco Arrested On Monday After Altercation

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who remains on the team's restricted list, was arrested on Monday in the Dominican Republic. This time, the arrest was related to an incident that happened on Sunday in which an altercation occurred and "guns were drawn." Franco is currently out on bail based on a deal related to his other charges connected to his relationship with a minor. According to the story, the 23-year-old is permitted to carry a gun so long as he has a license for it and it is registered, but it is not currently known whether or not the one in Sunday's incident was either licensed or registered. Franco is still awaiting trial in the other case and has not played in the majors since August of 2023.
Nov 11   
Tre' Morgan  • 1B  •  Rays

Tre' Morgan Stays Hot In 2024 Fall Stars Game

Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Tre' Morgan went 1-for-2 with two walks and a stolen base during the 2024 Fall Stars Game. Morgan's lone hit went for extra bases. Through 17 games in the Arizona Fall League, the 22-year-old has posted an impressive .347/.405/.528 slash line with eight doubles, 15 RBI, and an 8:8 BB:K. Last season, the No. 10 prospect in the Tampa Bay system opened the season in Single-A but was able to reach Double-A by the final month. Across all three levels, the LSU product carried a stellar .324/408/.483 line with 23 doubles, 10 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and a 48:48 BB:K. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress during spring training, as he may only need another brief look at Double-A before reaching Triple-A later this summer given his current trajectory.
Nov 10   
Xavier Isaac  • 1B  •  Rays

Xavier Isaac Performing Well During Arizona Fall League

Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Xavier Isaac has posted an impressive .286/.403/.554 slash line through 15 games at the Arizona Fall League. He has hit three home runs and six doubles. This is a great sign for the 20-year-old as he enjoyed a fantastic campaign at High-A last season. Across 71 games with High-A Bowling, Isaac carried a .287/.381/.535 line with 17 doubles and 15 long balls. The No.2 prospect in Tampa Bay then earned a brief taste of Double-A during the final month of the summer but struggled as he posted a .211/.346/.349 line. Isaac remains one of the top prospects in baseball and should spend most of the 2025 campaign in the upper levels of the minor leagues.
Nov 9   
Brandon Lowe  • 2B  •  Rays

Rays Pick Up Club Option On Brandon Lowe

The Tampa Bay Rays have picked up the 2025 club option on second baseman Brandon Lowe according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Lowe is coming off another solid season where he hit at least 20 home runs for the second-straight campaign. He also held a .244/.311/.473 slash line with 58 RBI and five stolen bases. Under the hood, he held an above-average 44.7% hard-hit rate and a 12.4% barrel rate which suggest his power numbers should continue to remain stable heading into 2025. Fantasy managers should view Lowe as a solid late-round option for power as a middle infielder.
Nov 1   
Shane Baz  • SP  •  Rays

Shane Baz Strikes Out Seven In Win

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz tossed his third consecutive quality start in Saturday's 7-2 victory over the Red Sox, allowing two earned runs on just three hits and a walk while striking out seven over six innings of work, picking up his fourth win. Baz has looked good since coming off of the IL in July after his recovery from Tommy John surgery, other than perhaps some command issues which he's cleaned up as of late, with just four walks compared to 23 strikeouts over his last four starts. The righty looked like he had a promising future before requiring Tommy John, and that still looks to be the case after he posted a 3.06 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 14 starts. While the 13.2% K-BB% overall doesn't jump off the page, the last four starts were more in line with what managers should expect from the former first-rounder next season, as he pitched to a 20.9% K-BB% over that timeframe.
Sep 29   
Junior Caminero  • SS  •  Rays

Junior Caminero Blasts Two-Run Shot As Part Of Three-Hit Day

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero had a huge day at the plate, racking up three hits and three RBI in the Rays' 7-2 win over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. Caminero blasted his sixth HR of the season off Red Sox start Kutter Crawford, a two-run shot in the third inning. He added an RBI single in the fifth and another single in the seventh to collect his third hit and improve his OPS to .741 on the season. The 21-year-old has been a mainstay at third base for the Rays since his promotion in August. Tampa's No. 1 prospect has seen fairly true results with his .303 wOBA balancing out with his .302 xwOBA. Dynasty managers with Caminero on the roster should expect him to continue to get starts at third base and DH in the 2025 season, giving him plenty of solid value. He'll look to finish his season strong on Sunday against the Red Sox who have yet to name a starter.
Sep 28   
Taj Bradley  • SP  •  Rays

Taj Bradley Fans Seven Over Six Shutout Innings

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley tossed six innings of shutout ball in Friday's 2-1 victory over the Red Sox, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out seven on the way to earning his eighth win of the season. It caps off an up-and-down season for the righty, as he had a nine-game stretch where he pitched to a 0.82 ERA in the middle of the season, but allowed four runs or more on eight other occasions. Still, his final 4.11 ERA and 1.22 WHIP were improvements over 2023, and his 3.69 SIERA might offer a ray of hope for next season's fantasy prospects as the 10.04 K/9 ability should remain intact.
Sep 28   
Christopher Morel  • 3B  •  Rays

Christopher Morel Sitting Out Against Red Sox

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Christopher Morel and shortstop Taylor Walls are getting the day off on Friday for the series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Richie Palacios is making the start in left field and is hitting seventh, with Jose Caballero returning to shortstop and batting eighth against Red Sox right-hander Nick Pivetta. Morel has reached the 20-homer mark for the second straight season, but he's also hitting under .200 in 149 combined games with the Rays and Chicago Cubs. He's been even worse since coming to Tampa at the trade deadline, hitting .183 (30-for-164) with just three home runs, four doubles, two triples, seven RBI and 55 strikeouts in 180 trips to the plate. Palacios has mainly been a speed threat for fantasy managers in AL-only leagues with a career-high 19 stolen bases in 2024, but he hasn't provided much else in just 90 games.
Sep 27   
Tyler Alexander  • SP  |  Tyler Alexander  • SP  •  Rays

Tyler Alexander Shines Thursday

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Alexander was excellent on Thursday, holding the Detroit Tigers scoreless over five innings in a 4-3 loss. Alexander allowed four hits, didn't walk a batter, and struck out six. It was the best outing of the season for the 30-year-old, who owns a 5.10 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 2024. Aside from the ratios, Alexander also has the problem of not pitching deep into games, as the Rays usually pull him after four or five innings. He doesn't have much utility in fantasy.
Sep 27   
LEGEND
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