The Tampa Bay Rays do not spend money. Ever. Anyone who makes even a respectable salary is traded, including franchise icons such as Evan Longoria and David Price. Free agent signings are bargains, options that they can get for as close to the league minimum as possible. They never play at the top of the free agent market.
But that may be changing. According to Jon Heyman, the Rays made an offer to Freddie Freeman prior to the lockout, making them a surprise entrant in his sweepstakes.
Tampa Bay Rays pursuing Freddie Freeman
Of course, this does not specify what the offer was. The Rays could have offered Freeman a two year deal worth $50 million, with $45 million due next year while planning to trade him for prospects come the deadline. Or it could have been an incentive laden one year deal.
But the Rays have been displaying signs that they may not be as frugal going forward. They have signed Wander Franco to a record breaking extension with the idea that he can be a part of their core going forward. It would not be a surprise if, once the lockout ends, they look to extend the likes of Randy Arozarena and Shane Baz as well.
The Rays have also been looking to improve their roster, first base included. Ji-Man Choi may have been solid, but he certainly is not in the same class as Freeman. Then again, there are few first basemen in the league who could say that they are.
It is worth noting that the Rays could shed some salary when the lockout ends as well. Kevin Kiermaier had actually garnered some interest on the trade front, which would free up a large portion of their payroll. Franco is going to receive a large portion of his salary when the 2028 season begins and the Rays do not have a lot of money on the books after this year. It is unlikely, but it may not be as far-fetched as it may seem at first.
The Tampa Bay Rays made an offer to Freddie Freeman before the lockout. While he is unlikely to end up in Tampa Bay, the fact that they made an offer is noteworthy.