Tampa Bay Rays are constructed to conquer a condensed season

Infield Continued

Second Base

Joey Wendle has been a solid major leaguer, Brandon Lowe exploded onto the scene in 2019 with an All-Star appearance and 17 homers in just 82 games. Daniel Robertson is a solid hand that provides reliable veteran depth, as well.

Catcher

Mike Zunino is what he is. We’ve covered him from every which angle. He hit .165 last season, which, sadly, isn’t that far off from his career average of .202. He has some power but he is trusted behind the plate. Michael Perez was set to be split the duties with Zunino last season before an injury opened the door for Travis d’Arnaud to blow the top of the dome off of Tropicana Field.

d’Arnaud has moved on to greener pastures, but Michael Perez was known in the minors as a top-notch defender and has shown the ability to be a patient and powerful hitter at various stops in the minors.

Add in the addition of veteran Kevan Smith, whose numbers look a lot like Travis d’Arnaud’s prior to his arrival in Tampa, and the Rays look to be in steady hands behind the plate.

Shortstop

Willy Adames led the AL in defensive runs saved at the position in 2019. He added 20 homers and looks to be on an upward trajectory with no end in sight. Robertson and Wendle can slot in behind him for depth, but you have to wonder…Wander?

Some analysts expected to see a sample of Wander Franco at the major-league level this season. The expanded rosters and crunched schedule could create a perfect scenario to bring the wunderkind up.

If the league wants to implement a schedule such as this then they will certainly feel the wrath of the Rays’ depth. This could be fun.