Tampa Bay Rays still looking to lock in their core

The Tampa Bay Rays have an eye to their future, and are doing their best to lock it in now.

Over the past few days, the Tampa Bay Rays have been working towards building their future core. Brandon Lowe signed a six year extension, and Blake Snell was locked in on a five year deal. The Rays have identified the players they consider to be a part of that future, and are looking to keep them around for as long as possible.

Understandably, the Rays would be looking to add more pieces to that group. That has been evidenced by other attempted extensions this offseason, as the Rays had approached both Willy Adames and Brent Honeywell in regards to signing long term with the franchise.

Obviously extending either player would hold a good deal of risk, but there is plenty of reason to be optimistic about such a move. Adames had been a consensus top 25 prospect for two years, while Honeywell had been a consensus top 30 prospect for three consecutive seasons prior to necessitating Tommy John surgery last year.

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Adames made his major league debut last season, displaying the ability that made him such an intriguing prospect. In his 323 plate appearances last season, Adames had a solid .278/.348/.406 batting line, hitting ten homers and stealing six bases. He is still a work in progress defensively at short, but he has the potential to be a viable all around player at the position.

Honeywell, meanwhile, was offered his long term deal after being injured. There is no question about the potential that he possessed prior to surgery, with a 31-19 record, along with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.082 WHiP over his 416 minor league innings, striking out 458 batters against 93 walks.

However, Honeywell has never thrown a pitch in the majors. And, there is no guarantee that he will be that same pitcher once he is healthy again, even with the high success rate of Tommy John surgery. The Rays would have taken quite the gamble had he agreed to that offer.

While both players turned down those extension offers, that does not mean they won’t be a part of the Rays future. Talks could continue down the road, especially as Adames and Honeywell establish themselves. After all, it was not that long ago when it seemed unlikely that Snell and the Rays would come to an agreement, especially after they had simply renewed his contract. If the right amount is offered, the money does talk.

The Tampa Bay Rays are working to lock in more pieces for their future. Although Willy Adames and Brent Honeywell have turned down those offers, that does not mean they won’t be a part of that long term outlook.