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2025-26 MLB Offseason Recap: Tampa Bay Rays

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 11:07 AM ET

As has become tradition over the past two decades, the Rays tweaked their roster considerably over the winter. Not only did the Rays move on from well-known players but Tampa also brought in veteran talent to complement a good, young core heading into the 2026 season.

Additions

The Rays went high on low-cost veteran talent this winter. But, in addition, some young players with significant potential.

Perhaps the most notable player brought in was Cedric Mullins, the former Oriole who can hit for power, steal bases, and play a reliable center field. Tampa Bay got creative with the outfield in 2025, working in Chandler Simpson while also going with longtime Minor Leaguers in platoon roles.

Mullins, on a one-year deal, will look for a fresh start after a down final two months in New York.

He wasn’t the only notable outfield addition made. Tampa brought back Jake Fraley, the speedy outfielder who was a former second-round pick a decade ago. The Rays also acquired Justyn-Henry Malloy via trade with the Tigers.

Malloy is the kind of player that makes sense for the Rays, an analytically-driven team. Low chase rate guy who doesn’t expand out of the zone too much and has power. On the other hand, Malloy had trouble with the soft stuff at the MLB level.

As for the pitching staff, the Rays added pitcher Yoendrys Gomez, a right-hander with upside, plus reliever Steven Wilson from the White Sox. Plus, veterans Steven Matz and Nick Martinez, both of whom have extensive experience as relievers and starters.

Martinez was given a one-year deal worth $13MM.

(via New Baseball Media)

The former Red does not get a lot of swing-and-miss in the zone. Rather, he’s a “junk” pitcher who doesn’t throw hard but will try to throw the kitchen sink at hitters. Martinez’s changeup is one of the best in the game.

Losses

That is a lengthy list.

Many familiar names who made a name for themselves with the Tampa Bay Rays were not retained after 2025, either because of an option not picked up or a trade. Shane Baz, Pete Fairbanks, and Josh and Brandon Lowe (no relation) were among those players.

Baz was dealt to the Orioles in a massive trade that netted Tampa Bay four very good prospects. Slater de Brun was one of the best athletes in the 2025 MLB Draft, while Caden Bodine was an on-base machine and a steady presence behind the plate with Coastal Carolina. Michael Forret was one of the best swing-and-miss pitchers in High-A.

Brandon Lowe, along with Jake Mangum and hard-throwing reliever Mason Montgomery, netted the Rays two prospects: Jacob Melton and Anderson Brito. Melton has limited MLB experience and is a notable prospect. Although he’s to stick at the MLB level. As of writing, Melton had a Whiff% north of 41% in spring action.

Brito is a high-upside arm who lit it up in the Arizona Fall League this past October.

Josh Lowe was traded to an Angels team that needed a left-handed bat. Tampa received Gavin Lux and a Minor League pitcher.

Pete Fairbanks, meanwhile, became a free agent after the Rays declined his $11MM team option. That move allowed the Rays to free up a lot of payroll and give way for Edwin Uceta to take over the closer/high-leverage role. However, that will have to wait for now.

Adrian Houser, acquired midseason from the White Sox, went to market after 2025 and signed with the Giants.

Eric Orze, who was a valuable middle reliever for Tampa last season after he was acquired for Jose Siri, was traded to the Twins.

Bob Seymour, who powered his way to an MLB cameo late last season, was released for an international opportunity. Seymour signed with Orix in the NPB.

Overview

The Rays nearly made the playoffs last season. It’s hard to believe, given the 77-85 record from 2025. However, Tampa played good baseball in the first half before a road-heavy slog in the second half.

Tampa enters the year with a good rotation on paper, which will be needed to deal with the elite offenses in the division.

We’ll see how the new-look outfield, something that was a focus to improve upon this past winter, performs for 2026.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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