Tampa Bay Rays additions and subtractions
Key additions: Denard Span, C.J. Cron, Anthony Banda, Daniel Hudson, Carlos Gomez
Newcomer to watch: C.J. Cron. Last year, the Tampa Bay Rays received unexpected production from Logan Morrison. They are hoping that Cron can take his place as a power bat in the lineup.
Cron has certainly been consistent in the power department, hitting exactly 16 homers in each of the past three years. However, he is coming off of a down year in 2018, with his .248/.305/.437 batting line the worst of his major league career. Cron also struck out in 25.7% of his plate appearances, a career worst.
An expendable piece in Los Angeles, Cron is expected to hold down the fort at first, at least until Jake Bauers is ready to take over. Of course, those plans can change, especially if Cron can become the dangerous power hitter the Rays need in the middle of their lineup. For now, he will get his chance to make an impact upon the Rays lineup, although Cron may want to keep looking over his shoulder.
Biggest losses: Even Longoria, Corey Dickerson, Jake Odorizzi, Steven Souza, Logan Morrison, Brad Boxberger, Steve Cishek
Biggest loss: Evan Longoria. The Tampa Bay Rays may have lost more players than any other team this offseason, and yet, it is the loss of Longoria that stings the most.
It will be difficult to replace what Longoria gave to the Rays on the diamond. Even though he was slowing down, his .261/.313/.424 batting line with 20 homers and 36 doubles gave Tampa Bay solid production in the lineup. He won his third Gold Glove last year, saving six runs as he remained one of the top defensive third basemen in baseball history.
However, he will be missed for far more than what he brought to the diamond. Longoria was the face of the Tampa Bay Rays, the franchise icon was remained when everyone else had left. He was the final piece remaining from the 2008 World Series team, a home grown superstar who provided a steady veteran presence in the locker room. While Matt Duffy may be able to come close to replicating his offense, the Rays cannot replace what Longoria meant to the franchise and his leadership.