Tampa Bay Rays available cash could mean extensions instead of free agents

It is expected that the Tampa Bay Rays will look to make a splash in free agency given the large amount of cash they have available. Instead, they could take a different direction and lock up some of their younger players.

In a rather unexpected occurrence, the Tampa Bay Rays are expected to make major moves in free agency this offseason. Typically shopping in the discount section or looking to cut down payroll, the Rays have a projected team salary of just above $32 million for 2019. Even if they keep their budget at 2018 levels, or the approximately $67 million they had on Opening Day last year, that still leaves over $30 million to spend.

With that being the case, the Rays are expected to make moves that would normally be uncharacteristic. They are already linked to Charlie Morton, who would help upgrade their starting rotation. Rumors about their interest in Nelson Cruz persist, as he would be a solid power bat to plug into the middle of their lineup.

Even with that money, and a few potential fits in free agency, it is difficult to imagine the Rays spending that entire windfall in one offseason. Indeed, it is already being reported that they may well save some of that money for the following offseason to make sure they get the right pieces.

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Of course, there is another option. Given the plethora of young players on the Rays major league roster, or on the cusp of reaching the majors, it may be time to look towards extensions. It would certainly fit in the modus operandi of the franchise, from Evan Longoria to David Price to Chris Archer, and even to today with Kevin Kiermaier.

With only Chaz Roe eligible for arbitration on the pitching staff, this would be a great time to build in some cost certainty. Blake Snell may be expensive to extend, especially considering his breakout season, but another strong season would only increase his price tag. Tyler Glasnow showed flashes of being the pitcher the Pirates hoped he could be, and would likely be a relatively inexpensive piece to sign to a longer term deal.

The Rays could also look to extend a couple of prospects come the middle to the end of 2019. Brent Honeywell is coming off of Tommy John surgery, but if he looks right once he returns, he could be a candidate for an extension. Likewise, Willy Adames has long been considered the future at short – why not make him the long term answer as well?

The Tampa Bay Rays have plenty of money to spend this offseason. Instead of making a splash in free agency, it may be better to hang on to that money, and use it to extend some of their key pieces.