Rays Spring Training: Non-Roster Invitees to Watch as Camp Opens
Spring training is right around the corner, and with it comes one of baseball’s most underrated storylines: the rise of non-roster invitees. These are the players who show up to camp without a guaranteed spot but with everything to gain. For the Tampa Bay Rays, a team that thrives on depth and development, these invitees aren’t just filler - they’re potential contributors, waiting for a shot.
Let’s break down the names to know this spring, starting with the arms.
Pitchers: A Pipeline of Potential
Brody Hopkins headlines the group of pitchers invited to camp without a roster spot - but don’t let that label fool you. The former Winthrop standout has been carving up minor league hitters with a career 2.88 ERA, showing the kind of poise and polish that could fast-track him to the big leagues.
Hopkins has the kind of upside that fits right into the Rays' reputation for developing young arms. He’s not just here for experience - he’s here to compete.
Another name to circle is Andrew Wantz. He’s a veteran presence with four seasons under his belt in the Angels bullpen, compiling a 3.88 ERA and a 5-1 record during that stretch.
The Rays picked him up last year, but a right elbow injury shelved him for the season. Now healthy, Wantz could be a key piece in a bullpen that has a few question marks heading into 2026.
His experience and track record make him one of the more intriguing comeback candidates this spring.
The rest of the group includes Luis Guerrero, Ty Johnson, Trevor Martin, TJ Nichols, Austin Vernon, Kodi Whitley, Logan Workman, Cam Booser, John Rooney, Chase Solesky, and Jake Woodford - a mix of young arms and depth options who will be looking to make strong impressions. With the Rays’ knack for finding diamonds in the rough, don’t be surprised if one or two of these names becomes more familiar by midseason.
Catchers: A Battle Behind the Plate
Catching is one of the Rays’ biggest question marks heading into camp, and the non-roster invitees could play a significant role in shaping that picture.
Blake Sabol is the most experienced of the group, having played over 100 games with the Giants back in 2023. That year, he hit .235 with 23 extra-base hits - numbers that would be more than serviceable for a team still searching for offensive consistency behind the plate.
Since then, his production has dipped, but the Rays are clearly hoping a change of scenery - and some of their developmental magic - can help him rediscover that form. He’s not a lock, but he’s definitely in the mix for a backup role.
Joining him in camp are Logan Driscoll, Tatem Levins, and Kenny Piper - all young catchers with something to prove. With the starting job still up for grabs, this could be one of the more competitive position battles in Port Charlotte.
Infielders: Young Talent, Big Upside
This infield group is stacked with upside.
Xavier Isaac brings power that jumps off the scouting reports. He’s the kind of bat that can change games, and if he shows out in camp, the Rays may have no choice but to find room for him - even if it's ahead of schedule.
On the other side of the ball, Tre’ Morgan is already turning heads with elite-level defense. His glove alone could earn him a bench spot, and if the bat comes along, he could be a long-term fixture.
Cooper Kinney is a name that Rays fans should get to know. A 2021 first-round pick, Kinney has quietly put together a strong minor league resume, racking up 117 extra-base hits in just four seasons.
He’s versatile, he’s productive, and he fits the Rays’ mold of players who can do a little bit of everything. Don’t be surprised if he forces his way into the conversation.
Logan Davidson, Raynel Delgado, Gregory Barrios, and Brayden Taylor round out a group that brings a mix of pedigree and potential. There’s a lot to sort through here, and the Rays will be watching closely to see who separates themselves.
Outfield: A Veteran Option in a Crowded Room
Edward Olivares is the lone outfielder among the non-roster invitees, and he’s walking into a crowded room. With Cedric Mullins, Jake Fraley, and Jacob Melton already on the 40-man, the path to a roster spot won’t be easy. But Olivares brings something valuable: experience.
In five big league seasons, the Venezuelan outfielder has hit .254 with 29 home runs and 96 RBIs. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady - and in a season where depth always gets tested, that could be enough to keep him in the Rays’ plans. If injuries or underperformance strike, Olivares could be one of the first calls.
Final Thoughts
Spring training is always full of surprises, and the Rays have built a reputation on maximizing every inch of their roster. These non-roster invitees may not have guaranteed spots, but they’ve got opportunity - and in Tampa Bay, that’s often all it takes.
From Hopkins’ rise through the system to Kinney’s quiet consistency, this group is filled with players who could make real noise in camp. Keep an eye on them - because history tells us, at least one of these names will matter when the games start to count.