Division rivals missing out on top free agents keeps Rays in solid position for 2025

A few talented free agents were recently taken off the board, as clubs begin to round out their rosters for Spring Training. However, neither of them chose an AL East organization to provide their elite services. Veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes inked with NL West teams for the 2025 season and beyond.

Teoscar Hernandez signs a three-year, $66 million deal to return to the Dodgers

Previously a member of the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays, Hernandez decided to return to the Dodgers for the next three seasons. The contract will run into his age-35 season, but the power-hitting left fielder showed his most impressive work in Los Angeles. Hernandez displayed career-highs in home runs and walks, while also taking home a Home Run Derby championship at the All-Star break.

The Red Sox were hoping to add his offensive capabilities to their roster for the future. Although, after what seemed to be a stalemate in conversions between him and the NL West club, Hernandez resigned as the Dodgers corner outfielder. He probably felt comfortable hitting around former MVP sluggers, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani. The Rays should be thrilled to avoid facing this fearsome hitter for 11 games in 2025, especially at the hitter friendly Fenway Park.

Corbin Burnes signs six-year, $210 million deal with Diamondbacks

In the middle of the night, news broke out that Corbin Burnes signed a momentous contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. A club that is already known for their strong starting pitching over the last few seasons just got significantly better in that regard.

Many baseball fans were shocked at the Burnes's decision, as the media never portrayed Arizona as a candidate for the crafty righty. However, if you analyze the details, this signing makes a lot of sense for the former Baltimore Oriole. Burnes is a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, so he won't have to leave the comfort of his home for the better half of the 2025 season. Also, the Diamondbacks have been a very competitive team over the last couple years, as they reached the World Series in the 2023 season.

The Rays seemed to be the only AL East team that had zero ties to potentially adding Burnes to their 2025 starting rotation. The Orioles witnessed a season of the veteran hurler, as he pitched to the tune of a 2.92 ERA and a 5th place Cy Young finish. Baltimore would've undoubtedly loved to see him return as an Oriole, but they had a difficult time matching financial offers.

The Blue Jays and Red Sox, on the other hand, made strong proposals to the 30-year old pitcher. In fact, Toronto surpassed the monetary amount of the eventual offer that was accepted by Burnes. This is very good news for Rays fans as he gave up only five runs against Tampa Bay hitters in three 2024 starts.

The Rays have gotten lucky this offseason on the free agency front. Star players such as Juan Soto, Christian Walker, Blake Snell, Willy Adames, and now Burnes and Hernandez have signed to clubs outside of the formidable AL East division. This will be a much needed reprieve for Rays hitters and pitchers in 2025.