The Tampa Bay Rays have their work cut out for them this offseason. They are in a brutal spot, competing in an American League East that has four other teams able and willing to spend money that they just do not have at their disposal.
Operating on such a tight budget is one of the reasons why the Rays parted ways with closer Pete Fairbanks. They could not justify paying him $11 million for the 2026 season, so they declined his club option and paid a $1 million buyout.
There is now a void at the backend of the bullpen that will have to be addressed. Early front-runners for the closer role are likely Edwin Uceta, Griffin Jax and Garrett Cleavinger.
Don’t expect Tampa Bay to spend lavishly on bullpen arms this offseason. Instead, whatever money they are going to spend will go toward finding a catcher to upgrade behind the plate.
Rays seeking infield help along with catcher