Rays may be heading to arbitration with probable 2026 closer

The deadline for MLB arbitration came and went as the Rays were able to come to an agreement with 12 of their 13 arbitration-eligible players. These included Shane McClanahan, Josh Lowe, Richie Palacios, and trade deadline acquisition Griffin Jax. However, Edwin Uceta was the odd man out this season as his salary expectation did not match up with the Rays.

This is not a new occurrence in Tampa Bay as Rays Gold Glove caliber infielder Taylor Walls. The relationship between Walls and the Rays seemed a little shaky during the process, but both sides have relieved the tension as the 29-year-old produced career-bests in WAR and RBIs last season. Hopefully, things blow over in a similar fashion with Uceta because his services will be greatly needed at the back end of ballgames.

Rays and Edwin Uceta are likely heading to arbitration to decide 2026 salary

Does the front office understand the value of Uceta's relief pitching for this current Rays roster? After fan-favorite closer Pete Fairbanks signed a one-year pact with the Marlins, expectations naturally rested on Uceta's shoulders to take the bulk of the team's save situations. Although the Dominican hurler has only recorded six saves in his career, his strikeout potential and chaos control will probably make him the best fit for the role.

However, the Rays filed a measly $1.2 million contract for their rising relief pitcher. Uceta asked for about $300k more in income, but Tampa Bay has not moved the needle yet for their potential closer. It's possible that the Rays see pitchers like Griffin Jax, Manuel Rodriguez, or even newly acquired Steven Wilson as better fits for that essential role, but regardless, his value should be respected more.

Nonetheless, a professional arbitrator will potentially decide Uceta's salary as we hope his tenure in Tampa continues. A few other notable players that will be forced to head to arbitration are former Rays Calvin Faucher and Isaac Paredes. Faucher spent two seasons with the Rays, producing a dismal 6.32 ERA. His numbers are greatly improved as a member of the Marlins to the tune of a 3.24 ERA. Regardless, the clubs aren't on the same page about his value to the organization. Paredes, on the other hand, was dealt to the Cubs in the midst of his first All-Star campaign to make room for superstar third baseman Junior Caminero. After appearing in his second straight All-Star game last season, his new club, the Houston Astros, are still on the fence about his production level for the organization.