Tampa Bay Rays could be surprising spenders in coming offseason

The Tampa Bay Rays – major spenders? That surprising label could actually be used on the team next year.

Typically, when one thinks of the big spenders in free agency, the Tampa Bay Rays are one of the last teams that would come to mind. They are seemingly in a perpetual salary dump, sending players elsewhere once their salaries get too high. That point was solidified when franchise icon Evan Longoria and starter Jake Odorizzi were sent elsewhere this offseason.

However, those days may be changing. Should Rays prospects Willy Adames, Christian Arroyo, and Jake Bauers pan out, they could have a solid group of players around Chris Archer and Kevin Kiermaier. The Rays would also have a payroll somewhere around $40 million heading into next season, provided they retain Alex Colome.

With that low of a payroll, the Rays could actually find themselves in position to add salary. Quite a few players would be making the minimum, or close thereto, allowing Tampa Bay to add in free agency or via trade.

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That ability to add salary could extend beyond the next offseason. With top pitching prospects Brent Honeywell and Jose De Leon set to return from Tommy John surgery by the middle of 2019, the Rays rotation could have a few younger pieces as well. Should they come back strong, that would allow more financial flexibility.

Such moves would also add to the Rays on a public relations standpoint. In their quest to get a new stadium, the Rays would show that they are looking to build a contending ballclub. It would also show a willingness to spend if the money is there. With a new television deal in the works, adding that new stadium could help the Rays shed their frugal reputation.

Obviously, it would be a stretch to imagine that the Rays would emerge from free agency with Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, they may well be able to attract some of free agents in the next tier. Or, the Rays could be in position to take on salary from another team looking to dump salary themselves.

Next: Desperate times calling for desperate measures

The Tampa Bay Rays may emerge as spenders next year. As strange as that sounds, they may begin to add salary in the next year or two.