Rays Make Call For Juan Soto, Spendthrift Team Jumps In With Heavy Spenders

Among a list of heavyweight franchises lining up to negotiate with star free agent outfielder Juan Soto, an unlikely name has reportedly entered the fray. The New York Post‘s Jon Heyman reported that the Tampa Bay Rays, the league’s perennial pennywise contender, gave the 26-year-old phenom a call.

Amid rumors that teams like the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers all reached out to Soto as well, Tampa Bay can safely be considered an outside contender in this particular sweepstakes. Those three teams, among others in the race, are capable of crafting a roster with a $250 million payroll. The Rays spent $88 million in 2024, and Soto is expected to make at least $50 million per year by himself with his upcoming contract.

Still, it is admirable that Tampa Bay’s front office would give Soto a call, a clear sign that the team is considering every option going into 2025. The team has earned a reputation in recent years for maximizing player value, earning strong results despite spending far less than the league’s juggernauts. 2024 was a down year in which the team went 80-82, but it snapped a five-season streak of playoff appearances.

Because the Rays offloaded a considerable number of talented players over the last two seasons, including Tyler Glasnow, Randy Arozarena and Amed Rosario, they don’t have a ton of question marks to address on the existing roster. The team was quick to pick up second baseman Brandon Lowe’s $10.5 million option for 2025, allowing the front office to focus on free agency and the trade markets.

Tampa Bay traditionally has a revolving door for a bullpen, as the team is notoriously good at acquiring undervalued relievers and finding a place for them. The team is also reportedly looking for a catcher, as Ben Rortvedt struggled at the plate in 2024. This has been a need for most of the team’s history.

Beyond player acquisitions this off-season, the Rays must also figure out where they’ll be playing in 2025, as Tropicana Field may be unavailable after sustaining damage during Hurricane Helene. The team could temporarily relocate to several parks in Florida and surrounding states, but the situation remains murky. It yet another hit for one of the league’s pluckiest teams.

For teams with tight purse strings, success in MLB is slower and cyclical. The Rays, like many others, develop talent, negotiate productive trades and find overlooked players to fill out the roster. It is harder to do and prevents teams from acquiring the likes of Soto most of the time, but the Rays have proven to be better at it than almost anyone. Even without a home field in 2025, it appears that they’re reloading again.