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3 players for Tampa Bay Rays to target in offseason

By David Hill |
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Wil Myers #5 of the San Diego Padres takes the field during the player introduction before Game One of the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at PETCO Park on October 19, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Wil Myers #5 of the San Diego Padres takes the field during the player introduction before Game One of the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at PETCO Park on October 19, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
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The Tampa Bay Rays may have found their way back to the postseason but that does not change the fact that they have problems.

The Rays offense was anemic at best over most of the 2022 season. That was made crystal clear in their brief postseason run as they were completely shut down by the Guardians. The pitching may have done their jobs, but the offense could not compete.

Three players for Tampa Bay Rays to target

There are going to be the usual problems for the Rays. Payroll is going to be a factor as they will need to find bargains. Holes exist throughout the lineup. At the same time, the Rays have been able to succeed despite plenty of questions before; there is no reason to expect that 2023 will be any different.

The Tampa Bay Rays have plenty of holes throughout their roster. Let’s take a look at three players they could target this offseason.

Wil Myers

Although Wil Myers may not have lived up to his extension, he could be a solid piece for the Tampa Bay Rays.

It is a certainty that the Padres are going to buy out the final year of his contract, handing Myers a $1 million check instead of keeping him around on his $20 million salary. He will not get close to that amount in free agency with MLB Trade Rumors wondering if Myers is even an everyday player at this point.

He could be for the Rays. For all of the complaints about his bat, Myers was still above average last season and has a bit of pop. He may not hit 30 homers again or be a star, but he has a track record of being a solid enough option in the lineup.

Myers also has the versatility that the Rays like as well. He can play either corner outfield spot as well as first, slotting around the diamond as needed. While Myers would likely be viewed as the primary option at first if he does sign in Tampa Bay, he can help extend the Rays’ bench and provide some needed versatility.

Wil Myers had success in his first stint with the Tampa Bay Rays. He could be what the lineup needs once again.

Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Wade Miley

The Tampa Bay Rays have a history of taking on reclamation projects in their starting rotation. More often than not, they find success with those arms.

Wade Miley could be that option this offseason. He had pitched well in 2021, the third out of four years where he was a solid middle to back of the rotation arm. While he was not an All Star, he was a solid piece to round out a pitching staff.

Then 2022 came. Miley made just nine appearances as injuries derailed his season. He still performed well when he was on the mound, posting a 3.16 ERA and a 1.216 WHiP. Thhos numbers would normally be acceptable, but he threw just 37 innings last season.

As Miley will be 36 years old next season and battled through those injuries, he may not have a large market in free agency. That is perfect for the Rays, who could potentially bring him in on a bargain deal. Since they will be looking for pieces to fill out the rotation as Corey Kluber is likely to sign elsewhere, Miley could be the answer.

The Tampa Bay Rays have a knack for finding pitching bargains in free agency. Wade Miley could be the next in line.

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Conforto

Chances are, Michael Conforto is going to land a one year deal as he looks to prove himself in 2023. The Tampa Bay Rays could be the perfect landing spot.

Conforto had expected to be in the beginning of a multi-year deal already. However, he had been coming off of a down year in 2021 and rejected the Qualifying Offer to test free agency. He injured his shoulder during the lockout, eventually needing surgery despite Scott Boras claiming that Conforto was healthy. Likewise, that contract that Boras continually claimed was around the corner never materialized.

When healthy, Conforto could be the type of player that the Rays need in the lineup. He hit at least 27 homers from 2017 through 2019, displaying the type of power that the Rays need to find. His ability to draw a walk and respectable contact rates would also fit in a lineup that struggled to get on base and hit for power.

He would also solve an issue defensively. Manuel Margot is going to be counted on in center next season now that Kevin Kiermaier will be out the door. This leaves a hole in right that the Rays were going to need to fill. Conforto could not only be the impact bat that they need, but would slot perfectly into their defensive alignment.

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The Tampa Bay Rays need to find an impact bat for their lineup. Michael Conforto could be exactly that at a bargain price.

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