The Tampa Bay Rays have made several moves to reshape their roster for the 2026 season, but there are still some major question marks just over a month until spring training gets underway.
Plenty of changes have been made with the outfield, but the middle infield remains a major need. The team was on the lookout for help at shortstop coming into the offseason, but now they need a starting second baseman as well.
Trading Brandon Lowe to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a three-team trade that included the Houston Astros could have a positive long-term impact on the team. Outfielder Jacob Melton and right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito are both high-upside players who will help in the near future.
But their outlook in 2026 is more bleak without Lowe as part of it. Adding more offense was a top priority for the franchise this winter, but they decided to move on from one of only four players who performed at an above-average level at the plate in 2025.
Ramon Urias is perfect fit for Rays in free agency