1 Rays position player with a lot to prove in spring training

The Rays flooded their transaction tracker recently with minor league deals and waiver acquisitions. They're always searching for the next "diamond in the rough". From former Giants starting catcher, Blake Sabol to 28-year-old Tulane grad Chase Solesky, Tampa Bay is a fan of the low-risk, high-reward options. However, there is one recent waiver acquisition that could have a path to playing time as a back-up infielder if he turns some heads in spring training.

Former Rays draft pick Brett Wisely made his MLB debut with the Giants at the age of 23. After some inconsistent offense, the left-handed hitter was left out to dry on the waiver wire. The Rays are now giving Wisely another look, and he could have a viable path to playing time. With the trade of Brandon Lowe to the Pirates in late December, the roster was void of a consistent second base option. Brett Wisely was added as a temporary placeholder until the Rays acquired former first round pick Gavin Lux as their everyday second baseman.

However, that shouldn't completely deter Brett Wisely from the 2026 roster. As it stands, the infield picture in terms of starters has cleared up with Junior Caminero, Taylor Walls, Gavin Lux, and Jonathan Aranda filling in from third to first. The utility and back-up roles will come down to a few position players with potential injuries obviously factoring in as well. Richie Palacios, Ryan Vilade, and Brett Wisely are the clear utility options as each player can play both the infield and outfield.

It's very likely that this was the most attractive part of Wisely's game: his versatile defensive abilities. As a member of the Giants, the 5'9 athlete played six different positions including first base, center field, and left field. He also pitched an inning in 2023, but that's beside the point. Needless to say, Wisely displays a wide array of abilities on the defensive side of the ball.

Offense is a bit of a different story. The Gulf Coast State product performed exceptionally in the minor leagues to the tune of a .280 AVG in six seasons. However, his big-league numbers don't compare. Wisely's best season in San Francisco came in his sophomore season where he hit .238 with 18 extra-base hits in 91 contests. The Rays don't need All-Star caliber numbers from him, but if he can provide fantastic defense and a modest bat, then he could be considered for a back-up role.