1 catcher and 1 infielder the Rays should target this offseason

The free agent market hasn't been very active so far as many teams await the signings of elite players like Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman. However, there's still plenty of solid options that teams may overlook for various reasons. Due to the Rays obvious financial stipulations, they should take advantage of this opportunity to fill holes at positions of need such as second base and catcher.

As of right now, Tampa Bay's catching depth chart includes a catcher with only 100 career at-bats in the majors and a .224 career hitter as his backup. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes will be able to hold down the fort behind the plate for a club seeking their first playoff appearance since 2023. Therefore, the Rays are in need of production and experience at this ever-important position.

The Rays should sign a one-year deal with veteran catcher Elias Diaz

Former Rockies backstop Elias Diaz could provide both of those immediately. Despite a down year in 2025, Diaz has hit at least .265 in three of his last five seasons. Also, at the ripe age of 35, the Venezuelan athlete has the experience that the Rays clubhouse and pitching staff desperately need.

The Rays should sign a two-year deal with Angels' middle infielder Luis Rengifo

Fans haven't quite seen the reality of a world without Brandon Lowe and his absence will certainly be felt on this roster. Therefore, a somewhat comparable replacement is imminent in the near future. Florida native Bo Bichette is likely too expensive for the Rays budget and second basemen like Adam Frazier and Jose Iglesias may have reached their peak as they creep towards their age-40 seasons. However, 29-year-old Venezuelan infielder Luis Rengifo could be an ideal signing for Tampa Bay.

First of all, the contact-first infielder is a switch-hitter which would be beneficial to replace Lowe's left-handed bat against righties. Also, Rengifo has averaged a consistent .250 BA in his career which is actually three points higher than Brandon Lowe's career average. The power numbers definitely won't match up, but Rengifo averages about 15 HRs per season. The top ten second basemen last season averaged around 22 HRs which puts Luis Rengifo in a respectable power trend.

If the Rays can sign both of these players, it could go a long way towards restoring the clear holes in their roster.