MLB.com writer subtly reminds Rays front office of a glaring need this offseason

MLB.com published an article that showed position-by-position, which team was in most need of an upgrade. The Rays were the first team off the board as the writer highlighted their desperate demand for a reliable catcher.

Only a month into the offseason, a few free agent catchers have already been signed to different MLB teams. Former Ray, Travis d'Arnaud inked with the Los Angeles Angels in mid-November. The 2020 Silver Slugger would've been a great addition to the Rays catching tandem and offensive lineup.

Catchers, Austin Hedges, Jacob Stallings, and Matt Thaiss have also signed elsewhere in the past few weeks, leaving a scarce quantity of solid catching options.

It's difficult to foresee what the Rays will decide to do in this particular situation. The crafty organization tends to avoid signing free agents for any position, but catchers are extremely important in the marathon of an entire season. Therefore, they may choose to pick up a player via trade or free agency.

One option would be former Red Sox catcher, Christian Vazquez. The Puerto-Rican backstop could use a resurgent year and Tampa Bay may be the perfect destination due to the lack of pressure and their talented coaching core. If the Rays acquire him in a trade with the Twins, it would certainly boost the competition at that position.

The Rays front office is also aware of their uber-talented farm system that includes top-20 prospect, Dominic Keegan. The 24-year old slugger has been tremendous in the minor leagues and would be an enormous boost to the lineup if he lives up to his potential.

Lastly, the Rays could always tap into the free agency market this winter. Some of the notable catchers in free agency are Kyle Higashioka, Danny Jansen, Elias Diaz, and James McCann.

Higashioka sticks out to us as someone that could jump into this role and be an instant difference maker. However, his price is most likely too steep and the competition among other clubs will make it very difficult to sign the former Yankee.

Jansen is another catcher that would be a great addition to the Rays roster. Coming off of a year playing for Boston and Toronto, the Illinois native would have a keen understanding of the daunting AL East. He is also displayed solid power in his career, as he's posted double-digit home run numbers in four of his seven major league seasons.

Regardless, Erik Neander will have his work cut out for him this year's Winter Meetings as he pursues the Rays new starting catcher for the 2025 season.