Tampa Bay Rays still looking for help on offense

The Tampa Bay Rays were looking to add a left handed bat and improve their offense this offseason. With spring training around the corner, they are still looking.

President of baseball operations Erik Neander admitted to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times that it is probably too late to make significant additions in free agency. They at least made an attempt, looking at the likes of Josh Bell, Sean Murphy, and Michael Brantley, but nothing came of those discussions.

Tampa Bay Rays still scouring market for lineup upgrades

This does not mean that the Rays have given up. Neander did say that the Rays were still looking to add to the roster, something that could continue into the spring. And there is hope that some of their younger players will be able to take a step forward, helping to improve their offense for 2023.

That may be the Rays best hope. Josh Lowe had a disappointing rookie campaign in 2022, but there is no denying his power potential and what he could mean to the lineup. Wander Franco has impressed during his time in the majors and may be ready to take another step forward. The same could be said for Randy Arozarena as well as he is entering his prime years.

Two or three players may not be enough. The Rays had lost 191 runs from 2021 to 2022, going from the second most runs in the American League to 11th last year. They scored just one run in 24 postseason innings, wasting a stellar performance by their pitching staff. And, as the AL East is only going to be more difficult going forward, improving their lineup will only be more important.

But there is still hope. Maybe the Rays can add a needed weapon during spring training as teams realize that they need help in other areas. If nothing else, the Rays are adept at figuring out ways to get a deal to happen.

The Tampa Bay Rays are still hunting for upgrades to their lineup. Although nothing has happened thus far, that does not mean the Rays are done.