Rays avoid arbitration with 4 players, but will head to hearing with key infielder

The arbitration deadline came and went, as four Rays agreed to a one-year deal for the 2025 season. Ben Rortvedt, Garrett Cleavinger, Shane Baz, and 2024 team WAR leader, Zack Littell reached an agreement with the organization. However, one of the Rays best defensive infielders will require an arbitration hearing to settle his 2025 salary.

Rays Gold Glove caliber shortstop, Taylor Walls will be heading to arbitration to determine his pay for next season. Despite the middle infielder's abysmal career slash line of .188/.288/.293, he believes his worth is greater than the $1.3 million that he was offered. This lack of chemistry between the Rays and their defense-first infielder will likely seep into the regular season. Hopefully, tensions mellow out after the hearings, but at the moment, it appears that the two sides are not on great terms.

Walls took his frustration to X as well, commenting on Marc Topkin's initial reporting of the news. Topkin included the FSU product's offensive numbers when describing the situation and Walls fired back with this remark, "What were the defensive statistics?". Rays fans are well aware of the immaculate defense that he provides on a day-to-day basis, but as a money-conscience club, the Rays need to pay players based on their overall production for the team.

In all honesty, this move from Walls seems to be self-centered from the outside, as he isn't acknowledging the needs of the team, especially an organization with limited financial assets. Therefore, Taylor Walls' future in Tampa Bay could be cut short if the relationship between him and the club doesn't improve. Nevertheless, his arbitration case will be held and he will receive a 2025 contract to play for the Rays. If the two decide to part ways this offseason, it will have to be through a trade.

Of the four players that agreed to their provided deals, Littell earned the most money as his contract will equal $5.72 million next year. Shane Baz, Garrett Cleavinger, and Ben Rortvedt will make between $1 million and $2 million in 2025. The Rays will be able to stay under $10 million total for their catching tandem, as backup catcher Ben Rortvedt will earn $1.125 million.

Baz and Cleavinger's deals are also very team-friendly as they will be key contributors in both the bullpen and starting rotation. Although, Littell's salary is pushing the Rays wallet a little bit, especially considering the depth of their pitching staff. The 29-year old remains a possible trade piece this offseason. Overall, the Rays were rather successful in their disputes and hopefully Walls and the front office are able to find a common ground, so he can continue his growth as a player.