1 Rays player whose spring has not matched his regular season performance so far

The Rays witnessed an amazing performance from one of their former top infield prospects this spring. Curtis Mead finished the 2025 spring training with a .524 AVG and only six strikeouts in 42 at-bats. However, those stats ultimately don't matter if he doesn't perform in the regular season. The Rays aren't asking for him to play to the stardom of his absurd spring training, but his very slow start to the season is a little concerning.

The Australian-born infielder barely made the Opening Day roster as the depth of this infield core has made it difficult for some players to find consistent playing time. The versatility and defensive skills of Jose Caballero and Richie Palacios have locked up roles for them on this club, so Mead is forced to produce with his bat or he'll find himself back in Triple-A.

Unfortunately, it seems like that may be the next logical step for the front office. In nine at-bats so far this season, Curtis Mead hasn't recorded a hit, while striking out twice. The 24-year old has also walked only once which isn't helping his case.

Another aspect that isn't helping Mead at all is the fact that the new Rays call-ups are having monster starts at the plate. Outfielders Jake Mangum and Kameron Misner are quickly becoming fan-favorites. Misner lifted Tampa Bay over Colorado with his unbelievable walk-off home run on Opening Day. He's also currently hitting .357 with five hits in 14 at-bats.

Mangum is on an even more impressive start to the season. After hitting .429 in the spring, the Mississippi State alumni has a .533 AVG with eight hits in only four games played. His combination of hustle and bat-to-ball skills makes it seem like this success could last a long time.

Therefore, Curtis Mead appears to be the obvious choice to be optioned when utility man Richie Palacios returns from his short IL stint. It's a sad reality, but honestly a good problem to have. When it's hard to decide who will be sent to the minors in a corresponding move, it just means that your club has the depth needed for a deep playoff run. The postseason roster allows for a few more players to be added, so it will definitely be helpful to have multiple big league-ready options in Triple-A.