The Rays have posted their non-roster invitees for the 2025 spring training. 30 players who are not currently on the 40-man roster will get the chance to prove themselves among big league stars. The probability of any of them making the club is rather slim due to the limited roster spots and competitive nature of spring training. However, there's no better opportunity to show your worth to the MLB coaching staff and push your way into the conversation.
#Rays announce 30 non-roster invites to major-league camp including prospects Williams, Taylor, Isaac, Morgan, Keegan, Simpson. pic.twitter.com/dGIweF8ZoD
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) January 30, 2025
Of the 30 players that will join the 40-man, there are a few that stick out as potential roster fill-ins. Obviously, they still need to produce in spring training, but injuries and position swaps can sometimes rearrange a depth chart to give non-roster invitees a chance. The first player that comes to mind is former White Sox Silver Slugger, Eloy Jimenez.
Eloy Jimenez
The Rays signed Eloy Jimenez to a minor league deal this offseason. The details of the contract are interesting as the 28-year old can earn more money through incentives, like making the MLB roster and recording a certain number of at-bats, hits, etc.
Eloy Jimenez is signing a minor league deal with the Rays, per multiple reports pic.twitter.com/l1v59XOILs
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 23, 2024
Therefore, there is a lot on the line for the Dominican outfielder. To his advantage, the outfield is one of the more open positions on this Rays roster and probably due to the lurking potential of Jimenez. Tampa Bay lost outfielders Jose Siri and Dylan Carlson this offseason and gained.... nobody.
The starting center fielder as of now is Jonny DeLuca, while the corner spots will likely be manned by a combination of Josh Lowe, Christopher Morel, Richie Palacios, and Jose Caballero. This leaves a lot of possibility for change and rearrangement. Can the slugging Jimenez win a spot in this outfield? Or a DH role?
Coco Montes
The second non-roster invitee that we believe could compete for a roster spot is middle infielder Coco Montes. The Rays also signed Montes to a minor league deal this offseason as a possible depth infield piece. The former USF athlete has appeared in 18 MLB games with the Colorado Rockies, but he most recently played in the Japan Central League. The front office is hoping that the comfort of being back in Tampa, especially walking distance from USF, will aid in his growth as a player.
After the signing of Ha-Seong Kim, it does seem unlikely that any other infielders would join the roster, but like we mentioned earlier, a lot of things can happen during spring training. Also, with the late arrival of Kim, there could be availability in the infield for a limited time. Either way, Montes will certainly have to prove himself, so he can stand out to Cash and company.