Sky high free agent prices mean Rays should pivot to this trade target

The Rays have always been weary of pursuing free agents due to the increasing price tags, especially this offseason. Juan Soto signed for over $700 million, Max Fried got over $200 million, and former Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres received a contract for one year, $15 million. The majority of these contracts are well over the Rays budget. Therefore, redirecting to an affordable trade target is a much more realistic scenario.

Offense is clearly one of the Rays major insufficiencies as they work out their roster for 2025. Aside from exciting prospect Junior Caminero at third base, the Rays infield also has quite a few question marks. Will they trade Brandon Lowe, Yandy Diaz, or both? Who will be the primary shortstop? Will Carson Williams make an appearance in 2025? Adding a depth infield price that has proven himself could be huge for this roster.

The Rays totaled only 76 RBIs from their current left side of the infield in 2024. Therefore, they should pursue Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia in a trade this offseason. The 24-year old infielder struggled down the stretch of the season and is consequently likely to be dealt this offseason. The Rays are known for rebuilding young players that seem to have lost their footing, and Garcia may be the perfect example of that.

Through the first couple months of the 2024 season, the Venezuelan third baseman was one of the most productive infielders in the league, as he was second only to Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez with 35 RBIs.

However, Garcia faltered the rest of the 2024 campaign, finishing the last four months with only two home runs and 23 RBIs. Despite his underperformance to close out the season, the speedy athlete stole 37 bases in 2025, which was third among qualified AL hitters. With his ability to play most infield positions, Garcia could be a player that breaks out for the Rays if given the opportunities.

Another reason that Maikel Garcia could be a perfect trade target for the Rays is that his 2025 salary will be less than $1 million, which is a price Tampa Bay's front office could certainly take on. If you add in his potential for driving in runs and swiping bases, this could be yet another low risk, high reward move.