The Rays have addressed one of their biggest offseason needs by acquiring infielder Gavin Lux from the Reds, but there’s still a glaring hole on the roster - behind the plate. Tampa Bay’s catching situation last season was, to put it bluntly, underwhelming.
The duo of big-league catchers combined for just 0.2 WAR, and while Hunter Feduccia - likely the frontrunner for the starting job - chipped in 0.5 WAR, that’s not the kind of production you want from such a critical position. If the Rays are serious about contending, upgrading at catcher isn’t just a nice idea - it’s a necessity.
One name that makes a lot of sense here? Tyler Stephenson. And given the existing trade pipeline between Tampa Bay and Cincinnati, this might be more than just wishful thinking.
Why Tyler Stephenson fits the Rays
Stephenson, a former first-round pick by the Reds in 2015, has been a steady presence in Cincinnati since making his debut during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He didn’t get many at-bats that year - just 20 - but he made them count, batting .294 with a pair of home runs. It was a small sample size, but it gave the Reds a glimpse of what he could bring to the table: a right-handed bat with power and a solid approach at the plate.
Over the years, he’s continued to show flashes of that offensive upside, and at 6-foot-3, he brings a physical presence behind the plate that’s tough to find. He’s not a Gold Glove-caliber defender, but he’s serviceable - and when you combine that with his offensive potential, he’s a clear upgrade over what the Rays currently have.
So why would the Reds consider moving him?
Why the Reds might deal Stephenson
For starters, Stephenson’s value isn’t exactly peaking right now. That might sound like a bad thing, but in trade terms, it could actually make him more attainable for a team like Tampa Bay.
The catching market is notoriously thin - always has been - so even a slightly under-the-radar option like Stephenson could draw interest from multiple teams. If the Reds are looking to shore up other areas of the roster, like the bullpen or outfield depth, Stephenson could be a valuable trade chip.
And here’s the kicker: Cincinnati has the depth to make this kind of move.
They brought in Jose Trevino last season, and while his offensive numbers dipped over 93 games, his defensive résumé speaks for itself. Trevino earned a Platinum Glove and an All-Star nod in 2022 with the Yankees, thanks in large part to his elite framing and a league-best 33.3% caught stealing rate. He’s the kind of steady, veteran presence that can anchor a young pitching staff - exactly what the Reds need.
Then there’s Ben Rortvedt, who Rays fans will remember from his brief stint in Tampa Bay. Things didn’t exactly end on a high note there, but Rortvedt quietly put together a solid 2024 season, driving in 31 runs over 112 games. He’s not going to be the centerpiece of a lineup, but as a backup or platoon option, he’s more than capable.
What a deal could look like
The Rays aren’t going to overpay - that’s not their style - but they do have the kind of pieces that could intrigue Cincinnati. Tampa Bay’s farm system is always loaded with controllable arms, and if the Reds are eyeing bullpen help or a versatile outfielder, there’s room to make something work.
Stephenson wouldn’t just be a short-term fix. He’s still young, with team control remaining, and he fits the mold of what the Rays typically look for: undervalued talent with upside. Pairing him with Feduccia would give Tampa Bay a much more stable catching tandem, and allow them to focus on other areas of the roster as spring training approaches.
Bottom line: if the Rays want to turn their offseason from good to great, this is the kind of move that could make a real difference. Tyler Stephenson may not be a household name - yet - but in Tampa Bay, he might just be the missing piece.