2 Rays position player who have solidified their roles this spring

Spring training is essentially a way for players to gear up for a long, grueling season. However, in some cases, important roster decisions are made based on these performances. There are two players in particular who have likely solidified their role on the 2026 roster with some impressive play this spring.

Jonny DeLuca

After DeLuca appeared in only 127 games across two seasons with the Rays, the front office added some extra competition for his role in the form of 8-year veteran Cedric Mullins and talented lefty Jake Fraley. On top of that, he's hit a sub-par .234 in that time. Therefore, the former Dodger's role will naturally change as he was seen as the front-runner for a starting center field spot in 2024 and 2025. DeLuca is now fighting for a spot in the Rays outfield depth chart.

His spring at-bats have been a welcome sight for Rays fans as the 27-year-old seems to be a man on a mission. He's currently hitting .333 with two extra-base hits and five RBIs in only five contests. With Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, and Jake Fraley looking like the starting outfielders, Jonny DeLuca is the clear fourth option that can slot in at left field and right field when necessary.

Nick Fortes

Heading into camp, the Rays had two catchers competing for the starting role. The third backstop on the 40-man roster will certainly start the season in the minor leagues as he's yet to meet his potential for consideration on an MLB roster. Therefore, it is between Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia to claim that starting role.

Fortes has made a statement this spring as the former Marlin has stood among his peers. In five games, the 29-year-old has hit .300 with one home run. Meanwhile, his counterparts have been rather disappointing at the onset of spring training. Left-handed hitting Feduccia has a dismal .083 average as he's amassed one hit in 12 at-bats. Rays catching prospect Dominic Keegan hasn't been much better as he's also collected one hit in just nine at-bats. This is obviously a small sample size, but Fortes appears to the clear front-runner for starting catcher. Kevin Cash will likely employ both of them in matchup situations, but expect Fortes to get the greater load.