5 Free Agents The Tampa Bay Rays Should Be Targeting

Wild Card Series - Tampa Bay Rays v Cleveland Guardians - Game Two
Wild Card Series - Tampa Bay Rays v Cleveland Guardians - Game Two | Patrick Smith/GettyImages
2 of 6
Jose Abreu
Cleveland Guardians v Chicago White Sox | Quinn Harris/GettyImages

1B José Abreu

José Abreu of the Chicago White Sox is set to be a free agent this offseason, and he could be a perfect addition to slide into a spot where the Rays have been looking for consistency for years. Abreu, a true power hitter at first base, has hit at least 30 home runs in 5 of his 9 seasons in the league and has driven in at least 100 runs in 6 of those seasons. A career.292 hitter, he could provide a large boost to the offense should the Rays be interested in reeling in a full-time first baseman.


Unfortunately, he's coming off of a career low in homeruns this season, but the White Sox proved to be one of the most disappointing teams as a whole this season. Managerial problems and injuries piled up, and it's possible the White Sox may be inclined to let Abreu walk this offseason in an attempt to have younger talent on the roster. This is a big opportunity for the Rays, as they're likely to let Ji-Man Choi walk this offseason as well due to dwindling offensive production and rising strikeout numbers.

Abreu could become a big contributor right out of the gate for the Rays, moving on from a team that's ended multiple seasons in disappointment during his career. At least it gives him the opportunity to play in an extremely competitive environment that's only a piece or two away from a title chase. He's also been a beloved player within the Chicago locker room throughout his career and adding his presence to this team full of energy would likely make him feel right at home.

There is no doubt that this would be a splash for the Rays in the offseason as a true right-handed power threat. Pairing him with Brandon Lowe on the right side of the infield could make this a serious HR and RBI duo in the lineup.

Schedule