1 Rays infielder’s roster fate may be determined by 2024 injury

Sep 8, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (62) looks on during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (62) looks on during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

On March 27, 2024, Jonathan Aranda was placed on the IL with a fractured right ring finger. This was a very unfortunate occurrence as the 26-year old was prepared to get considerable major league time after tearing up the minor leagues to the tune of a .302 AVG and 69 home runs.

The finger injury lingered until May, but another IL stint in June further pushed back Aranda's MLB arrival. The Mexican infielder was only able to appear in 44 games for the Rays in 2024, but he certainly made the most of his limited time, homering six times and driving in 14 runs. Although Jonathan Aranda has seemingly mastered Triple-A baseball, the MLB has granted the Rays a fourth minor league option for the left-handed slugger.

Will the Rays decide to take advantage of this extra minor league option year? There's a few ways to look at this and it will ultimately be determined by his spring training performance.

First of all, the Rays recently added Gold Glove shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Although he will be joining the club in May, his presence will inevitably maneuver the infield depth chart. Therefore, players like Jonathan Aranda and Curtis Mead will naturally receive fewer opportunities. The Rays could choose to give Aranda his extra year in the minors and use him a depth option if necessary.

On the flip side, Aranda was literally the best hitter on the Rays in September of last season. During the last series against the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field, the middle infielder hit a home run in each game, allowing the Rays to complete a late-season sweep of their rival.

If the potential star hitter maintains his impressive slugging throughout spring training, then it would be ideal for the Rays to just keep him on the roster. His talented hitting approach has the ability to carry a lineup, especially one with limited star power.

If the front office decided to use the extra minor league year, then there are a few interesting players to replace him. Coco Montes and Curtis Mead are two viable infielders that could fill into that role, at least until Ha-Seong Kim is added to the lineup.

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