2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays’ winning ways continued in 2023, as Tampa reeled off 99 games to make it back to the playoffs for the fifth straight year. However, several notable injuries and the trade of an ace from this past winter will cause this rotation to look very different in 2024. Here’s our Rays offseason recap.

Notable Additions

The Rays have a knack for tapping into talent and Tampa will hope that Richie Palacios can build on a strong end to 2023. Palacios was one notable addition to the team’s group of hitters, as Tampa also acquired versatile infielder Jose Caballero.

Cabellero doesn’t have much pop but does get on base a lot — which is likely why he was a target for Tampa. The infielder will likely be the team’s Opening Day shortstop given Taylor Walls‘ rehab and the ongoing legal situation regarding Wander Franco.

But arguably the most notable addition was of Ryan Pepiot. Pepiot looked very impressive in his brief tenure in Dodger blue and has two years left before he’s arbitration-eligible.

Additionally, the Rays signed Japanese right-hander Naoyuki Uwasawa to a Minor League deal.

Now, we move to the subtractions part of our Rays offseason recap.

Notable Subtractions

With one left and a massive 2024 salary looming, the Rays moved on from Tyler Glasnow. Tampa packaged Manuel Margot with Glasnow to Los Angeles, in exchange for Ryan Pepiot and Jonny Deluca.

Aside from that megadeal, the Rays also moved on from Robert Stephenson, who got a raise from the Angels after a refined “slutter” rejuvenated his career.

Tampa used Luke Raley and Andrew Kittredge to get Jose Caballero and Richie Palacios, respectively.

What to Expect in 2024

The Rays won’t have it easy in 2024, thanks to the injuries to Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen. Starter Jeffrey Springs, meanwhile, is still recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Tampa does return a strong lineup, as Isaac Paredes, Yandy Diaz, and Randy Arozarena are all back for 2024. And with Junior Caminero looming, the Rays should be just fine offensively.

From a long-term point of view, the Rays should be fine pitching-wise. Pepiot is a downgrade from Glasnow in the short term but could be a steal in the coming years. And given that the Rays still have McClanahan, Rasmussen, and Springs under control beyond 2024, Tampa should be competitive for a bit.

However, a tough AL East looms awaits the Rays in 2024.