3. Isaac Paredes - $3.4 million
A breakout season was what hit third baseman Issac Paredes in 2024. The big-time pull-hitting righty was powerful at the plate for the Rays, leading the team in home runs with 31. He was dangerous when opposing pitchers threw into the strike zone, as his whiff rate sat at only 18.2%.
His basic average also increased from his previous seasons to .250, as opposed to averages sitting in the low .200s. He also increased his OBP from old seasons up to .352 and drew more total walks this season (58).
Paredes still has commonly occurring strikeout totals, leaving him something to work on in 2024. But he is one of the Rays' biggest power threats returning to the lineup.