The Tampa Bay Rays once again disappointed in the playoffs in 2023. Whether through their low attendance or their seventh consecutive loss during the fall dance, they failed to meet expectations, despite another great regular season.
And that could lead to off-season repercussions.
That’s because according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Tyler Glasnow and teammate Manuel Margot seem likely to be in trade discussions as the Rays try to both manage their budget and maintain a competitive roster.
It is true that this is still the case for the highest paid players on the Rays or who arrive in arbitration, but the Florida team must now do more in order to move to the next level.
Coming back to Glasnow, the big right-hander signed his two-year, $30.35 million extension in August 2022, making it a $5.35 million salary in 2023 and then a whopping $25 million for 2024.
We suspect that the Rays are not inclined to pay this amount. Moreover, from the moment Glasnow put his signature at the bottom of this pact, many agreed that the artilleryman would no longer be under the hot Florida sun by the end of the term.
On the other hand, even if it’s not the house’s custom, Tampa Bay could see this $25 million as a good investment, considering the numerous injuries within the starting rotation, Shane Baz being back of Tommy John surgery, with Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs both due mid-season, and Shane McClanahan finding himself out of the picture for 2024.
This will certainly be a file to follow in the coming weeks.
