The 2022-26 collective bargaining agreement implemented a new series of uniform opt-out dates for players who qualified as free agents under Article XX(b) of said agreement and sign a minor league deal in free agency. More specifically, that designation falls on players with six-plus years of MLB service time who finished the preceding season on a major league roster or injured … [Read more...] about 36 Veteran Players With Looming Opt-Out Dates
Rays Exercise 2026 Club Option On Yandy Díaz, Add 2027 Vesting Option
The Rays and Yandy Díaz have worked out a mini extension of sorts. The club announced that it has preemptively picked up his 2026 club option, which is valued at $12MM, while adding a club/vesting option for 2027. Díaz, an ACES client, would reportedly vest the ’27 provision at $13MM if he reaches 500 plate appearances in 2026. If he doesn’t hit that vesting threshold, it would … [Read more...] about Rays Exercise 2026 Club Option On Yandy Díaz, Add 2027 Vesting Option
Could The Rays Still Move A Starting Pitcher?
The Rays entered the offseason with at least seven rotation-caliber arms on the roster. Each of Shane McClanahan, Taj Bradley, Drew Rasmussen, Zack Littell, Shane Baz, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Pepiot has had success in a big league rotation, though injuries have hobbled several of that group in recent years. Tampa Bay already thinned out that stock of arms (and, naturally, … [Read more...] about Could The Rays Still Move A Starting Pitcher?
Rays Owner Stu Sternberg Facing Pressure To Sell From Fellow Owners, Commissioner’s Office
Rays owner Stu Sternberg is facing pressure to sell the club from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and “several” fellow owners, according to a report from Evan Drellich of The Athletic. On Thursday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that while no deal was close, a group of businesspeople local to the Tampa Bay area have started to put together ownership groups with their sights set on … [Read more...] about Rays Owner Stu Sternberg Facing Pressure To Sell From Fellow Owners, Commissioner’s Office
Rays Getting Jose Caballero, Richie Palacios Work In Center Field
Defensive versatility is a hallmark of the Rays organization, and they’re expanding the role for utilitymen Jose Caballero and Richie Palacios this spring, writes Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Caballero, who played plus defense at shortstop, second base and third base in 2024, is getting reps across all three outfield spots in camp. He played two innings in left field … [Read more...] about Rays Getting Jose Caballero, Richie Palacios Work In Center Field