Rays Roster Shake-Up Looms as New Ownership Era Begins
The Tampa Bay Rays are entering a new era, and it could bring major changes to the team's player personnel. With a new ownership group taking over, the Rays are facing critical offseason decisions that could reshape their roster.
Potential Trade Candidates
One notable name that has surfaced as a potential trade candidate is infielder Yandy Diaz. According to reports, Diaz's high salary could make him an offseason trade target for the Rays as the new ownership looks to potentially increase payroll flexibility. Diaz is projected to earn a substantial raise through arbitration after making $1.45 million in 2025.
Another Rays player who could draw trade interest is relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks. Fairbanks is also eligible for arbitration this winter and is predicted to receive a sizable salary increase, potentially making him an asset the Rays could look to move.
Arbitration Decisions Loom
Speaking of arbitration, the Rays have a staggering 17 players eligible for raises this offseason - the most of any team in baseball. This includes key contributors like starting pitcher Shane Baz, infielder Brandon Lowe, and outfielder Jonathan Aranda.
Baz in particular is projected to more than double his 2025 salary of $1.45 million through the arbitration process. The 26-year-old right-hander emerged as a valuable rotation piece for the Rays last season despite a disappointing year for the team overall.
The Rays will have to carefully navigate these arbitration cases, weighing the value each player brings against the rising cost. It could lead to some difficult decisions about which players to retain versus potentially non-tender.
Prospect Development Continues
While the Rays' MLB roster may see significant turnover, the team's strong farm system remains a point of emphasis. Outfield prospect Chandler Simpson had a breakout 2025 campaign split between High-A and Double-A, solidifying his status as one of the organization's top young talents.
However, the Rays must be cautious not to rush Simpson or other top prospects like right-hander Junior Caminero to the majors too quickly. After a disappointing season at the big-league level, the Rays will need to carefully manage the development timelines of their next wave of talent.
One player the Rays will be keeping a close eye on is right-hander Griffin Jax, who made his MLB debut late in 2025. Jax's performance could factor into the team's offseason pitching plans as they look to reload for the future.
Giving Back to the Community
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Rays' roster, the team's players have remained actively engaged in the local community. Several Rays stars, including Jake Mangum and Ryan Pepiot, recently helped the Children's Dream Fund raise over $400,000 through a special event.
Initiatives like this underscore the Rays' commitment to making an impact off the field as the franchise enters a new era under fresh leadership.
TL;DR
- The Tampa Bay Rays face major roster decisions with a new ownership group taking over, including potential trades of high-salaried players like Yandy Diaz and Pete Fairbanks.
- The Rays have a league-high 17 players eligible for arbitration raises, creating difficult cost-benefit analyses for the team.
- The Rays' top prospects like Chandler Simpson continue to develop, but the team must be cautious not to rush them to the majors too quickly.
- Despite the uncertainty, Rays players remain engaged in the local community, recently helping raise over $400,000 for the Children's Dream Fund.