Seeking lefty hitter, Rays weighing options

SAN DIEGO -- The Rays have said from the start of the offseason that adding an experienced left-handed hitter is a top priority. That market began to move when a couple notable free agents came off the board Tuesday at the Winter Meetings, but Tampa Bay still likes its options.

Switch-hitting first baseman Josh Bell agreed to a two-year, $33 million deal with the Guardians. Former National League MVP Cody Bellinger is set to join the Cubs on a one-year, $17.5 million contract. President of baseball operations Erik Neander said the reported signings won’t really affect the Rays’ plans and reiterated the team’s interest in acquiring a veteran lefty bat.

“I think it's a desire we have. There's some out there through free agency, through trade. I don't think a whole lot has changed,” Neander said. “We've had a few targeted pursuits that we've put more time and energy into, and those are still alive.”

One of the Rays’ scheduled meetings on Tuesday was with outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who’s among the top free agents available. Nimmo has also been linked to the Mets, Yankees, Mariners, Blue Jays, Giants and Rockies, among others, so a deal with Tampa Bay seems unlikely.

Free agent Michael Brantley seems a more likely fit for the Rays, although the consistent veteran is sure to be in high demand. Brandon Belt would add a left-handed presence to the lineup and replace Ji-Man Choi at first base. On the trade front, the D-backs are fielding offers for their young left-handed-hitting outfielders.

The Rays also could take a high-risk high-reward bet on outfielder Michael Conforto, who did not play last season after undergoing right shoulder surgery in April; outfielder Joey Gallo, whose OPS dropped from .809 in 2021 to .637 this year; or Dominic Smith, who had a .643 OPS the last two seasons after a couple strong years with the Mets.

In other words, there are still plenty of ways the Rays could attempt to address the weakness they’ve identified against right-handed pitching. They slashed just .234/.305/.373 against right-handers last season, and aside from Brandon Lowe and Wander Franco, their lineup has become heavily right-handed.

“There’s a clear, I think, desire and need and a pretty obvious way that we could better balance and enhance our group, but [we] also want to make sure that there's some discipline to how we go about doing that,” Neander said. “We're putting the work in, and we'll see where it takes us.”

Regardless of who they add, manager Kevin Cash said he expects Tampa Bay’s lineup to bounce back next season. The Rays finished second in the Majors with 857 runs scored in 2021, then fell to 21st with 666 runs while missing a number of key hitters throughout this year.

“I think with health, a little luck, a little more timely hits, things will turn around,” Cash said. “You look at the injuries we had and the bats we were missing at different parts of the year, between Brandon and Wander, certainly Mike Zunino, that's a lot of offense we had counted for and didn't get. Get those guys healthy, and I'm confident we'll be better.”

Around the horn
• Team president Matt Silverman said the Rays hope to solidify their plans for Spring Training “by the end of the year, if not sooner.” Their Charlotte Sports Park complex isn’t available due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, but they could host games at Tropicana Field in March. Silverman said all options are on the table as they look for a suitable space to hold Major League Spring Training and Minor League camp.

“Time is of the essence. It's been very heartwarming, the response from so many communities across Florida who have raised their hand and offered assistance,” Silverman said. “We've had lots of conversations, just trying to find the solution that works best for our baseball operations department. … There are contingency plans, and then there are contingency plans for the contingency plans.”

• Cash and Neander said Lowe is expected to have a “normal offseason” after back injuries limited the second baseman to only 65 games this year.

“A frustrating year, certainly, but one where there's no reason to believe that there are likely to be any lingering effects,” Neander said. “He's wide open and full-go right now.”

• With newly promoted bench coach Rodney Linares set to manage the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Cash mentioned that Major League field coordinator Tomas Francisco will likely run the Rays’ Spring Training camp.