FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It’s never easy hopping from one team to another in the business of baseball, though Richie Palacios is taking it in stride.

Starting the ‘23 season with the Guardians, then being designated for assignment and landing with the Cardinals that summer, the 26-year-old found himself with yet another new home this January when he was traded to the Rays for All-Star reliever Andrew Kittredge.

With the ability to play multiple positions, including each of the outfield slots, as well as second base, Palacios is looking to carve out a spot with the club this spring.

“It’s been awesome,” Palacios said of his short time with the Rays thus far. “Everyone has welcomed me like family. It’s been an exciting experience meeting a bunch of new guys, new coaches. It’s been a great experience so far this spring.”

A third-round selection of the Guardians in the 2018 Draft, the Brooklyn, N.Y., native showed some promise with his bat after being traded to the Cardinals last June, resulting in a call-up to the big leagues.

With Triple-A Memphis, Palacios posted a .299 average with a .418 OBP and .459 slugging percentage across 40 games from the left side of the plate. Even more impressive was his eye at the dish, as he drew more walks (32) than strikeouts (20).

His hitting ways continued with a call-up late last year, as he slashed .258/.307/.516 with six homers over 32 games.

“For me, it was just pretty much learning how the pitchers were attacking [me],” Palacios said of his offensive burst late last year. “In Cleveland [in 2022], I was still trying to figure that out in the big leagues. With St. Louis, I was able to figure out how guys were trying to attack me, and in that, I created more power numbers and more success.”

Palacios went 1-for-3 during Sunday afternoon’s 4-4 tie with Minnesota out of the leadoff spot, including a hard-hit single to right that registered 103.9 mph off the bat.

As for his approach at the plate, it’s all about taking advantage of opportunities when presented.

“Depending on what the guy has will determine what I’m looking for,” Palacios said. “For me, it doesn't matter what part of the lineup I’m hitting in, I’m just trying to put some good at bats together, trying to put some good swings together, and hopefully be successful in that.”

Palacios has also become a super-utility type of defender -- something that is certainly on-brand for being a Tampa Bay Ray. Entering the draft as a second baseman, Palacios can maneuver all three outfield slots, and started in left Sunday.

“I’m working at all positions,” Palacios said. “Each position has its own perk, for sure, so I enjoy all of them. I like being versatile in that. My mindset has been to do whatever it takes to help the guys win, no matter what that is, whatever position that is, I’m here for it.”

His goal is to be the best defender he can, at any position he’s called on to play.

Manager Kevin Cash said he’s a fan of his versatility, and hopes to get Palacios more work at second base as camp goes on.

“Anybody that can play outfield and come in the infield helps a lot,” Cash said.

Palacios is certainly fighting to break camp with the club, though could be on the outside looking in with Jonathan Aranda, Curtis Mead, and Jonny DeLuca all in contention.

“He’s had a bunch of good at-bats,” Cash said of Palacios’ early work in camp. “I still think he’s working on that timing. He’s got a bunch of good swings off. Doesn’t have a ton to show for it, but really encouraged with the work.”

Palacios, thanks to his brother, worked out at Driveline in Kent, Wash., this offseason, an experience he called “crazy.”

“It was an awesome experience. I learned a lot from that,” he said. “[I learned] a million things about my swing. When I get up to the plate, I don’t want to keep it too complicated -- just work through that stuff in practice and then when you’re out there, just compete.”

To continue to make his mark this spring, Palacios said not letting his defensive prowess falter is top of the list.

“Just continue to be consistent, put some good swings on some balls, barrel some balls, walk, and play very, very good defense,” he said. “That’s one thing, for me, I feel can’t go up and down. I’m focusing on that and trying to put good swings on the ball at the plate.”