Possible Yandy Diaz replacement that would fit well with Rays' culture

If the Rays make the rumored decision to deal Yandy Diaz before next season, they will need to find a steady replacement at this underrated position. The front office may leave Kevin Cash with solely internal choices in Jonathan Aranda or Brandon Lowe, as they appeared at first base for a combined 36 games in 2024. Both players are primarily second basemen, but if one of them makes the move over to first base, then it could free up space for the other middle infielder.

Aug 19, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second base Brandon Lowe (8) catches the ball for an out during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Other potential options within the organization for 2025 are young phenom, Junior Caminero and 26-year old Austin Shenton. Both infielders played at least one game at first base last season and could possibly earn the role of filling the potential loss of Diaz.

Remaining within the present roster isn't always the best idea, especially when there is an affordable alternative elsewhere. One prospective first baseman that would fit well in the Rays clubhouse is 27-year old, Ryan Mountcastle.

Mountcastle and the Orioles have agreed to a $6 million contract for the 2025 season. However, the Rays would certainly be capable of picking up the infielder's contract, especially with the loss of Yandy Diaz's salary. The two American League teams could strike a deal involving the Orioles first baseman.

Aug 19, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (6) runs out a double against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

There's a few reasons why a Mountcastle deal could benefit both parties. First of all, he was born and raised in Winter Springs, FL, which is only a few hours from Tropicana Field. In fact, the Florida native was committed to the University of Central Florida, but turned down the scholarship to sign with the Baltimore Orioles in 2015. Playing in Tampa Bay would be a homecoming for this young star, which could give him some additional comfort.

Secondly, Mountcastle would add some much-needed pop to the Rays lineup. Since his debut in 2020, the power-hitter is second among AL first basemen with 91 home runs. Blue Jays superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the only player ahead of him with 145 homers.

The power surge would be a welcomed site for Rays fans as they watched their club finish 28th in the MLB with 147 home runs in 2024. To put that into perspective, Yankees sluggers, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto hit a combined 99 home runs all by themselves.

Moreover, Mountcastle absolutely crushes left-handed pitching. In 2023, the former first-round pick slashed .338/.398/.655 against opposing southpaws, while mashing 12 of his 18 total home runs.

The 121-loss Chicago White Sox were the only American League team with a worse slugging percentage against left-handed pitching last season. This lineup would improve immediately if Mountcastle is able to join.

Lastly, but probably most importantly, Ryan Mountcastle would fit really well with the Rays culture and identity. This organization has been very successful over the last 16 seasons and credit should go to the front office and on-field management, as they have built an inspiring culture around team chemistry and work ethic.

Watching this gritty right-handed infielder play in their AL East matchups has given us no doubt that he would be an adequate insertion to the Tampa Bay clubhouse. From his unyielding at-bats to his Gold Glove caliber defense, Mountcastle could be a significant compliment to the everyday lineup.

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