The Tampa Bay Rays made a roster move on Tuesday, designating infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. The move clears space for newly acquired outfielder Víctor Mesa Jr., who arrives from the Marlins in a deal that had been in the works.
For Wisely, this marks yet another stop on what’s become a winding journey through MLB’s DFA carousel. The 26-year-old (he turns 27 in May) was first designated by the Giants back in September.
Atlanta scooped him up off waivers, but that stint was short-lived-he was DFA’d again in January. Tampa Bay then stepped in, sending cash considerations to the Braves to acquire both Wisely and lefty Ken Waldichuk.
But just like that, both players were off the Rays’ 40-man roster. Waldichuk has since been claimed by the Nationals, and now Wisely is back in limbo.
Let’s break down what this means for Wisely and why the Rays made this move.
Wisely’s Value: Versatility with a Glimmer of Upside
Offensively, Wisely hasn’t made much noise at the major league level. In 466 plate appearances, he’s slashed just .214/.265/.319-a line that doesn’t exactly scream “everyday starter.”
But the appeal here isn’t just about the bat. It’s about flexibility.
Wisely is the kind of player managers love to have in their back pocket. He’s played all four infield positions and has even logged some time in the outfield.
That kind of versatility can be invaluable over a 162-game grind, especially when injuries start piling up. And while his big-league numbers are underwhelming, there’s reason to believe there might be more in the tank.
Over the past three seasons in the minors, he’s posted a .276/.375/.436 line, good for a 113 wRC+. That suggests he’s more than just organizational filler-he could still develop into a useful bench piece or spot starter.
The Roster Math
Wisely is out of minor league options, which means he can’t be sent down without first clearing waivers. If no team claims him, the Rays could stash him in Triple-A as non-roster depth. And because he has less than three years of service time and hasn’t been outrighted before, he wouldn’t have the right to reject the assignment.
This is a classic case of roster crunch. The Rays clearly liked Wisely enough to trade for him, but with Mesa Jr. coming in, someone had to go.
Tampa Bay is known for playing the margins of the roster as well as anyone in baseball, and this move fits that mold. They’re likely hoping Wisely slips through waivers so they can keep him in the organization without using up a 40-man spot.
What’s Next
Once a player is DFA’d, the team has up to seven days to trade, release, or outright him. The waiver process itself takes 48 hours, so the Rays have a small window to gauge trade interest before risking a waiver claim. Timing could be key here-MLB teams will soon be able to use the 60-day injured list to free up roster spots, which might make it easier for someone to take a flier on Wisely.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But whether he sticks with the Rays or lands elsewhere, Wisely’s glove and positional flexibility keep him in the conversation. He may not be a headline-grabber, but in today’s game, players like him often find a way to stick around.