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Rays Offseason Plan: 3 moves they need to make

By Austin Reimann
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: Dellin Betances #68 of the New York Yankees walks back to the dugout after closing out the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: Dellin Betances #68 of the New York Yankees walks back to the dugout after closing out the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium on October 03, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Avisail Garcia #24 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning in game four of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 08, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Avisail Garcia #24 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning in game four of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 08, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Rays Offseason Plan Step 2: Find some right-handed power

The Rays have been linked to Avisail Garcia. Yasiel Puig is an intriguing and affordable possibility. The Rays need to sign one of them.

Option #1: Bring Back Avisail Garcia 

The Rays have been connected to Avisail Garcia this offseason. Garcia, who the Rays signed last offseason is a projected by MLBTR to sign a two year deal worth 12M. Avi was a huge part of the Rays success last season slashing .282/.332/.464 with a .796 OPS and a 111 OPS+. He his 20 bombs and drove in 72 runs and was an integral part of the middle of the Rays lineup. He also roped 25 doubles and stole 10 bases.

Garcia, who was well liked in the clubhouse seems like a perfect fit to return to the Rays after being part of a 96 win team. At two years and 12M, the Rays should be able to get a deal done with the slugger who would help them address the void left by Tommy Pham who was traded to the Padres last week.

Option #2: Sign Yasiel Puig 

I previously wrote about the need for the Rays to sign Yasiel Puig, The Wild Horse. But with the reports of them being connected to Avisail Garcia, I would favor a reunion over Puig. Nonetheless, Puig has a lot to offer at a reasonable price.

Over the past three seasons, Puig has mashed 75 bombs and last season slashed .267/.327/.458 with a .785 OPS and a 100 OPS+. He hit 24 bombs last season and drove in 84 runs.

He would bring an intense and competitive edge to a young Rays squad and he is affordable as well. MLBTR projects him to sign. one year deal worth 8M.

Read more about why the Rays should sign Puig here.

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