Rays Spring Training Preview: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What to Watch in Port Charlotte
Spring is almost here, and for the Tampa Bay Rays, that means it’s time to head back to Port Charlotte and get to work. With pitchers and catchers set to report Thursday and the full squad joining them on February 17, the groundwork for the 2026 season begins now.
The roster has seen a significant shakeup this offseason, from high-profile trades to fresh faces in the coaching staff. Here's a deep dive into what fans can expect as the Rays gear up for another run.
Pitching Depth: A Mix of Returners and New Arms
The Rays are bringing 33 pitchers into camp, including a healthy mix of veterans, prospects, and non-roster invites. Notably, left-hander Shane McClanahan is back and expected to be a key piece of the rotation. Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot will also be in the mix as Tampa Bay looks to solidify its starting five.
One name to watch is Steven Matz, signed as a free agent after a stint with the Red Sox. The lefty brings experience and could slot into the back end of the rotation or serve as a swingman depending on how the spring unfolds. From the bullpen perspective, Garrett Cleavinger and Griffin Jax return to anchor the later innings, while newcomers like Yoendrys Gomez (acquired from the White Sox) and Luis Guerrero (non-roster invite) will be looking to make their mark.
There’s also a healthy list of young arms and fringe roster players competing for spots - guys like Mason Englert, Joe Boyle, and Cam Booser could push for innings if they impress early. With 33 pitchers in camp, competition will be fierce, and the Rays are known for finding value in unexpected places.
Catching Corps: A Position in Flux
The catching situation is wide open heading into spring. The Rays have seven backstops in camp, including Logan Driscoll, Hunter Feduccia, Nick Fortes, and Dom Keegan. Fortes brings the most big-league experience, while Feduccia and Keegan offer intriguing upside.
Blake Sabol, a non-roster invitee, is a name to circle. His left-handed bat and positional versatility could give him an edge if the Rays are looking to carry a third catcher or use him as a hybrid DH/backup option.
Infield Battles: Depth and Versatility
Tampa Bay’s infield group is 15 deep, and there’s a blend of established names and rising talent. Yandy Díaz, Taylor Walls, and Jonathan Aranda return as core contributors, while Junior Caminero and Carson Williams are two of the most exciting young players in the organization.
The addition of Gavin Lux via trade from the Reds adds a new wrinkle. If Lux is healthy and productive, he could be a major asset at second base or shortstop. Ben Williamson and Brayden Taylor are also intriguing prospects to watch - both could force their way into the picture with strong springs.
Veteran utility man Brett Wisley, acquired from the Braves, will also be in camp. His ability to play multiple infield spots gives the Rays flexibility, something they always value when constructing the roster.
Outfield Overhaul: New Faces, New Energy
The outfield is where the Rays made some of their boldest offseason moves. Gone are Josh Lowe (traded to the Angels) and Brandon Lowe (traded to the Pirates), and in come Jake Fraley, Cedric Mullins, and Victor Mesa Jr. Mullins, a free-agent signing from the Mets, brings speed and defense to center field, while Fraley adds left-handed pop and on-base skills.
Also keep an eye on Justyn-Henry Malloy, acquired from the Tigers. He’s shown promise at the plate and could carve out a corner outfield role. Richie Palacios and Jonny DeLuca offer depth and speed, and Chandler Simpson - one of the fastest players in the minors - is a dark horse to make waves this spring.
Offseason Recap: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Notable Additions:
- Yoendrys Gomez (RHP, via trade from White Sox)
- Jake Fraley (OF, free agent from Braves)
- Gavin Lux (INF, trade from Reds)
- Justyn-Henry Malloy (OF, trade from Tigers)
- Steven Matz (LHP, free agent from Red Sox)
- Victor Mesa Jr. (OF, trade from Marlins)
- Cedric Mullins (OF, free agent from Mets)
- Ryan Vilade (OF/INF, trade from Reds)
- Steven Wilson (OF, trade from White Sox)
- Brett Wisley (INF, trade from Braves)
Notable Departures:
- Shane Baz (RHP, traded to Orioles)
- Pete Fairbanks (RHP, option declined, signed with Marlins)
- Tristan Gray (INF, traded to Red Sox)
- Adrian Houser (RHP, signed with Giants)
- Brandon Lowe (2B, traded to Pirates)
- Josh Lowe (OF, traded to Angels)
- Kam Misner (OF, traded to Royals)
- Christopher Morel (OF, non-tendered, signed with Marlins)
- Eric Orze (RHP, traded to Twins)
- Everson Pereira (OF, traded to White Sox)
Coaching Staff Shakeup
The dugout has a few new faces as well. Corey Dickerson takes over as first-base coach, replacing Michael Johns, who joined the Nationals. Ozzie Timmons and Will Bradley step in as assistant hitting coaches, with Timmons bringing a wealth of experience to the role.
Former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde joins the front office as a senior advisor - a savvy addition for a franchise that values strategic thinking and leadership. Hamilton Marx has also been promoted to assistant GM, continuing the Rays’ trend of grooming front-office talent from within.
Spring Training Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
The Rays will hold workouts and home games at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, with most games starting at 1:05 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Fans can attend workouts for free, and tickets for games are available through the team’s website.
Key Dates:
- Feb. 21: vs.
Braves
- Feb. 22: at Pirates (Bradenton)
- Feb. 23: vs. Red Sox
- Feb. 24: vs. Twins
- Feb. 25: at Orioles (Sarasota)
- Feb. 26: at Red Sox (Fort Myers)
- Feb. 27: vs. Blue Jays
- Feb. 28: vs. Tigers
The schedule continues into March, including a World Baseball Classic exhibition against the Netherlands on March 4 and a full slate of games against AL East rivals and other spring opponents. One highlight: the March 19 split-squad day, with the big-league club facing the Phillies and the prospects traveling to Port St. Lucie to take on the Mets.
Final Thoughts
This spring will be all about sorting through the depth, evaluating the new pieces, and seeing how quickly young talent like Caminero, Taylor, and Williams can push for major league roles. With a mix of proven veterans, high-upside newcomers, and the usual Rays creativity, this roster is far from set - and that’s exactly how Tampa Bay likes it.
The foundation is there. Now it’s time to see who steps up and earns their spot.