The Tampa Bay Rays know they need to improve in terms of driving in runs. That sentiment was shared by president of baseball operations Erik Neander back in November just after the season ended.
"The catching position, the production we got last year was nowhere near where it needed to be to be a playoff-contributing position," Neander told reporters. "We need to find a way to score more runs. I think there's a few different ways we can go about doing that. But upgrading the catcher situation, without question."
With limited options available in free agency, the Tampa Bays Rays will more than likely trade for a catcher. Luis Campusano of the San Diego Padres is a candidate.
Team Needs (as of Dec. 19): C, INF, OF
C: Luis Campusano (Trade)
Luis Campusano would come via trade with Padres, and the Rays could get a slight discount. Campusano is coming off of a down year where he hit just .227 with eight home runs and 40 RBI. However, the Rays certainly have what it would take to acquire Campusano with one of the deepest farm systems in baseball.
INF: Ha-Seong Kim
Ha-Seong Kim's versatility is exactly what the Rays are looking for in an infielder. Kim can play both positions on the left side of the infield, along with second base. Kim is just 29 years old and would slot in at an affordable price of $12.3 million per year.
OF: Randal Grichuk
Randal Grichuk may be 33, but he hit .291 and produced an .875 OPS in 2024. For a team that needs offense, Grichuk fits the part as a corner outfielder. Grichuk's market value is just $3.3 million, a number the Rays will be very excited about as they try to be financially conscious in the quest for more offense.
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