The Rays are looking at a variety of possibilities for improving their outfield mix, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (via Twitter).
The Tampa Bay organization previously struck a deal that shipped out one outfielder (Tommy Pham) and brought in another (Hunter Renfroe). While there had been some whispers of hiccups in the deal, it is now fully locked up, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter).
While there isn’t exactly a new hole to be filled, then, the Rays are still looking to bolster a unit that is now missing Avisail Garcia and his 530 plate appearances from 2019. Garcia is, as previously rumored, one of the ongoing targets, per Sherman.
In addition to exploring a return for Garcia, the Rays have also turned their gaze to the west. A pair of left-handed-hitting Japanese players, rangy center fielder Shogo Akiyama and slugging corner outfielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, are each said to carry appeal. While they’re quite different players — from one another and from Garcia — it seems the Rays can conceive of ways that all would fit into their ever-adaptable roster.
You know, if the Rays ever did move to a market that cared about them and/or had an owner willing to spend any money, they’d be a lot less interesting.
Stu has the payroll based on the attendance.
If the fans want the Rays to spend more $$$$$ then show up & increase the attendance 500k,600k,700k,800k +
(I purchase a mini season ticket plan every season).
We both know Stu ain’t spending more money even if the entire state is at the games
If you deal with the Rays, you better make sure you keep a hand on your wallet. They steal other teams blind.
It’s going to be fun watching San Diego squander that impressive farm system they lost so much to build.
The pirates are currently pressing charges against the rays for highway robbery.
I kind of knew that trade would cost Huntington his job
Hmmmmm…..
What?…..
That’s the frickin Astros 😉
Atlanta will send Ender for, well, anyone breathing.
Isn’t Puig a FA?
Puig isn’t good
Why is kole Calhoun not really getting any love. Gold glove caliber defense, over 30 hrs last year. Yeah the batting average isn’t there, but guy plays his heart out everyday.
agree 100%. hes gonna cost nothing too for some reason, just a cheaper (and betting imo) then Joc Perdeson
The top guys are going off the board first. He’ll be part of the third wave of players. He wont have ANY trouble finding a job.
How about the pirates send marte and Frazier for meadows and Glasnow. Hey if they want they can have archer. Wish full thinking
Reddick is available.
Normally, you would say you’re turning your gaze to the east (i.e., Far East) to see people in Japan, but facing West would get you there faster. 😉
They are turning west to look at the far east…..
Yup. The world is round.
Bryant can play the corner outfield spots just fine.
Sure, but he’ll earn more than $10 million in each of the next two years, ergo he won’t be a Ray.
Souza return?
I don’t know why the Japanese players aren’t in more demand.
They’re not going to cost much…..
There is the added cost going to the old team. I believe it starts at 25%. Still, you are correct that they should be getting more play (no pun intended).
Its Rays-ville. “Improving their OF mix” means dumping Kiermyer’s 11M AAV over the next 3 years on anybody who’ll eat some of it. You’re not going to get anybody to eat all of it.
I hope we can get Avasail Garcia back. He was an exceptional all around player and RH hitter. I noticed he was hitting and getting on base more in the 2nd half of the year. We need less strikeouts now that Zunino and Renfroe seem to be in the lineup. Garcia makes contact with very good defense! Please no Souza or anymore strike out kings.
I think we flip this San Diego prospect and another for contrares and sign Edwin
Odubel Herrera for a bag of baseballs
Game balls or BP balls?
Curious if TB is one of the teams interested in Niko Goodrum. The Rays love value and versatility, and coincidentally Detroit loves giving away talent.
Puig would be great in RF for TB also think they should sign EE for DH.