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The offseason and free agency are difficult topics for Rays' fans. However, similarly to every other team's fanbase, we can dream a little bit. In this article, we're going to break down some possible free agents the Rays could target from the realistic options that will fix an essential need to the fantasy scenarios that we all know are long shots.
Realistic options to fix a need:
1. Elias Diaz
Diaz would be a great option for the Rays to target in free agency for multiple reasons. First of all, he has proven himself as a solid offensive contributor for the past two seasons as he recorded a .265 AVG with two clubs (Padres and Rockies). Secondly, Elias Diaz is a catcher.... and as a Rays' fan, this is enough information for us to immediately be interested. Diaz could certainly assist with that emergent demand. Also, he plays respectable defense as he finished last season with a .990 fielding percentage.
2. James McCann
This veteran catcher would be a solid addition to the Rays because of his experience as a hitter and defensive catcher, but also because of his persistence. McCann was hit in the face by a pitch during a game last year and he returned the next inning as the team's catcher. Rays' fans would love to have a player with that kind of grit. It may just be what this team is missing. Another plus about the possibility of acquiring James McCann is that he is currently the backup catcher behind Adely Rutschman in Baltimore, so they are less likely to resign him and he may be overlooked by most other organizations.
3. Harrison Bader
If the Rays decide to pursue the Mets' outfielder, Harrison Bader, they would most likely be parting ways with their skillful center fielder, Jose Siri. However, we believe that Bader will impact the offense in a more positive way than Siri. His offense is a little more reliable as he slashed .236/.284/.657 last season. Jose Siri had more impressive power numbers in the 2024 campaign, but his lack of consistency was a detriment to an already below average group of hitters. Although, Bader's defense may be a step behind Siri, Harrison Bader may be a better fit to combat our offensive struggles.
Dream free agents:
4. Kyle Higashioka
The Rays saw plenty of at-bats from Kyle Higashioka as he previously suited up for their rivals from New York. He started to get a bit more comfortable at the plate with San Diego. As a Padre, Higashioka hit .220 with 17 long balls. His batting average slightly diminished from his time with the Yankees, but the power numbers made a solid jump. From 2021-2023, the catcher hit only 10 HRs each season in the Bronx. His 17 home runs in 2024 were accumulated through only 84 games, so a full season from Higashioka could see his numbers improve tremendously. If there was a free agent that would improve the Rays' club and morale instantly, it would be Kyle Higashioka. Let's keep dreaming Rays' fans.
5. Willy Adames
Adames in a Rays' jersey brings back some fond memories from his first career HR against Chris Sale to the beautiful relay to nab Altuve at the plate in Game 4 of the 2019 ALDS. Willy Adames gave the Rays an exceptional glove, consistent bat, and an exuberant spirit. Despite the stolen base production from Jose Caballero, it would be hard to find a Rays' fan that wouldn't take Adames back in a heartbeat. To add to his value, he has improved his offensive numbers greatly since joining the Brewers. The young shortstop has hit at least 24 HRs each of the last 3 seasons, surpassing 30 HRs in 2022 and 2024. I'm aware that it would be an improbable circumstance for the Rays to acquire their former infielder, but let's say it together.... keep dreaming Rays' fans!