The Rays are heading into an offseason loaded with decisions, and the front office has no shortage of moving parts to sort through. Between free agency, possible trades and a roster that still needs shaping, Tampa Bay has real questions to answer on Nick Martinez, Freddy Peralta, Drew Rasmussen and Taylor Walls.
That was the backdrop for this week’s Rays Roundtable, where the discussion centered on who the Rays should try hardest to keep, which arms might make sense on the market, and whether any Tampa Bay names can bring home awards after a strong 2026 season.
When it comes to Martinez and Peralta, the roundtable leaned toward Martinez as the priority. Michael Brauner pointed to cost and reliability, saying, “Martinez will likely be cheaper, and frankly, I trust him more as well. If they keep one, it should be him.”
Christian Rauh echoed that thinking, tying it to how Tampa Bay usually operates. “For me, based on how the Rays have handled free agency and contracts, I believe Martinez is the player they need to chase, and that doesn't take anything away from Peralta.
I think he'll just be asking for a higher number in free agency. Martinez makes more sense for what Tampa Bay is trying to accomplish, and it'll still give them flexibility within the pitching staff, something I believe this front office values quite a bit.”
Rasmussen’s situation drew a more skeptical read. After the Rays signed his option, Brauner said it would be “pretty shocking” to see him stay at that price, adding, “As great as he is, it's not the way the franchise operates. Look to see him in a trade before the winter meetings.”
Rauh was a little more hopeful about Rasmussen remaining in Tampa Bay, but still saw a deal as a real possibility. “I personally hope Rasmussen is back in Tampa Bay next season, but I think there's a good chance that he is dealt before spring training. Even though Erik Neander made it clear that he wants him anchoring the rotation next season, something tells me there is going to be a deal they can't pass up.”
Taylor Walls’ Gold Glove season also came up, but the award itself didn’t seem likely to change the Rays’ broader thinking. Brauner said awards usually don’t alter team behavior much, though Walls’ defense should reduce any pressure to add a major piece in the infield. “Walls was sensational on that side, and Tampa Bay would hate to block him.”
Rauh took a different angle, arguing the bigger issue is offense at that spot, not defense. “I don't think so.
I think we've already known how valuable his defense is before he got the Gold Glove. I think Tampa Bay knows they have to find a way to improve their offensive skill at that position.
There was a reason they brought in players like Gavin Lux. Although injury eliminated that option, I think the front office will try again.”
The roundtable also looked ahead to potential free agent fits, and both names that came up were pitchers. Brauner called Shane Bieber “a tremendous fit,” noting, “Tampa loves to buy low on a guy, and while it's a gamble, if he is going to get back to form anywhere, it's with the Rays.”
Rauh pointed to Shota Imanaga as another strong match, especially with the rotation expected to look different in 2027. “With this rotation likely looking extremely different in 2027, I think they still need to chase starting pitching.
Shota Imanaga seems like a good addition. He's a solid mid-rotation starter, has good control, and has the opportunity to become even better, something Tampa Bay loves to find and loves to do.”
As for awards, the panel didn’t see Junior Caminero taking home MVP despite his big year. Brauner said, “Despite a great season, Caminero will not win MVP. Cash, on the other hand, feels like a true toss up, while Baker, I think, has the best shot out of any of the three”
Rauh had Caminero finishing second, but still expected Yordan Alvarez to claim the award. “I think Caminero will be the runner-up.
I think he's good enough for second place, but I believe Alvarez will take the MVP award. Out of the other two, I believe Bryan Baker has an extremely good chance at winning Reliever of the Year.”
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