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1 Rays pitcher and catcher to have on your radar as they report to spring training

ByMason Stacy|
Aug 27, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Manuel Rodriguez (39) reacts following the final out of the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Aug 27, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Manuel Rodriguez (39) reacts following the final out of the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Super Bowl is over. Pitchers and catchers have officially started reporting to spring training. It's that beautiful time of year where the MLB schedule is a blank slate and every team is optimistic for another 162 games.

Of the 72 Rays players invited to spring training this year, there is loads of talent. There are the obvious starters that will still have young players breathing down their neck for a roster spot, and then there's the top prospects that will need to prove themselves against accomplished big leaguers.

We've analyzed one pitcher and one catcher that we believe should remain on fans' radars during this year's spring training. Both players got a taste of the MLB in 2024, but they could take the next step going into this season and be more productive for the organization.

Manuel Rodriguez

The hurler we are highlighting in this article is right-handed reliever Manuel Rodriguez. The 28-year old Mexican pitcher was acquired through a trade with the Cubs at the 2023 deadline. He wasn't able to join the bullpen that season, but certainly made his mark in 2024. The hard-throwing righty struck out 34 hitters in 37.2 innings and accrued a 2.15 ERA. Rodriguez is expected to crack the Opening Day roster with the club this season and we're anticipating even more success.

Logan Driscoll

The Rays catcher that you should pay close attention to this spring is 27-year old Logan Driscoll. The Colorado Springs native finally made his major league debut in 2024 and showed some exciting attributes in a small sample size. Despite hitting only hitting .171, the former second round pick crushed his first big league home run and drove in five runs in 11 starts behind the plate.

His stats with Triple-A Durham last season were impressive as the left-handed backstop slashed .292/.367/.473 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs in 70 contests. Ben Rortvedt is likely going to be the backup catcher for this upcoming season, but don't be surprised if Driscoll makes a push for that role. Newly acquired veteran Danny Jansen will be the clear-cut starter out of camp, but we'd say the backup spot isn't locked up at the moment.

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