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Tampa Bay Rays enter the offseason with a ton of optimism for the future

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Rays skipper Kevin Cash has a lot to look forward to going into the offseason.

A day after the Tampa Bay Rays 2019 campaign came to an end, Vice President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, General Manager Erik Neander, and Manager Kevin Cash met with the media for their annual post-season press conference at Tropicana Field. As the players cleaned out their lockers in ahead the off-season, Bloom, Neander, and Cash note of their optimism going into the 2020 season.

There is an expectation for the young core of players to get even better after gaining another year of experience, including another postseason berth. Moving forward, the likely focus for the Rays brain trust will be more on the now than on the future, as they tinker with the roster to make a really good team even better.

We’re more equipped to compete with what we have right now. As thick as we are right now, I think we’re satisfied with the talent we have.

But I think it’s kind of in our DNA and our mode of preparation that we have an offseason with months to play with and think about things, and we can’t help ourselves but to think about how to make the team better. That’s our job, and we’ll do that. We’ll be open to things. But we do like our starting position here going into the winter.

— Erik Neander

With a team that has gone from 68 to 96 wins over a four-year period, not to mention an organization that has one deepest farm systems in the game, Tampa Bay is positioned well for a successful run.

With that in mind, Juan Toribio (MLB.com) listed his four key takeaways from the press conference, which you can read below:

Rays ready to build on postseason appearance

After their first postseason berth since 2013, the Rays enter the offseason as one of the early favorites to contend for the AL pennant in ’20. While they have difficult decisions to make this winter, the front office will operate with the sense that next year’s team is set to contend for more than just a postseason berth.

I think it’s much more that we’re putting ourselves in the territory where we’re expecting to be one of the most competitive and one of the most talented teams moving forward in the American League. And with that, the balancing of your near-term versus your long-term, it shifts a little bit to the present. And, really, that’s the goal.

— Erik Neander

Payroll operations

It’s no secret that the Rays don’t have the same payroll flexibility as some of the other clubs in the Majors, but they’re going to continue to be resourceful with what they have. Neander said that the Rays have “an idea” of what the payroll will be next season, which will help them in the free-agent market, but it isn’t necessarily a set number.

It’s kind of more of a range, but not something that we’ve gotten into too deeply. I think it’s important to survey the landscape and what our needs are and what’s available, what’s the inventory and then work backwards from there.

— Erik Neander

Medical update on Honeywell

Brent Honeywell entered the season as the team’s top pitching prospect, but setbacks from Tommy John surgery ended his season in June. Honeywell has now missed two full seasons, but he’s currently on pace to begin throwing at the start of the year. Honeywell was the only member of the 40-man roster to not pitch for the Rays this season, but the club is optimistic that the right-hander will contribute at some point next season.

The plan all along was that he wasn’t going to throw until around the new year and that remains the case. This kid is as intense and strong of a competitor as anyone we’ve been around, and for him to not taste competitive baseball for a couple of years is tough. But he’s going to get through this and we’ll see how he does once he picks up a ball.

— Erik Neander

Staff changes?

With a throng of job openings around the Majors, there’s always a chance that the Rays could have some turnover on their coaching staff. Rocco Baldelli and Charlie Montoyo both took managerial jobs last winter — with the Twins and Blue Jays, respectively — and some clubs could inquire about bench coach Matt Quatraro this winter.

Cash said that there could be some interest around the league for some of his staff members and front office personnel, though he’s optimistic about keeping his staff intact.

I don’t anticipate any changes. We have a really good group and a great staff. I think they do a really good job of keeping a positive vibe while helping players get better. There’s probably a lot of discussions out there right now. I would imagine that we have some people on our staff and within our organization that are looked upon very highly. I can’t thank this staff enough for the work this season.

— Kevin Cash

The Rays now will prioritize their own needs, like a catcher (if Travis d’Arnaud leaves), a right-handed power hitter (should Avisail Garcia leave), and a key bullpen piece or two.

Still, there is the feeling that the future looks better than ever which is a good place to be as the team looks to build on the successes of the 2019 campaign.

We’re putting ourselves in the territory, where we expect to be one of the most competitive, one of the most talented teams going forward in the American League.

— Erik Neander

Rays invite five players to MLB Spring Training including Emilio Bonifacio

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The Rays signed Emilio Bonifacio to a minor league deal on Monday.

On Monday, the Tampa Bay Rays announced invitations for five non-roster players to MLB Spring Training, including veteran utilityman Emilio Bonifacio. The other four are right-handers Ricardo Pinto, Casey Sadler, Luis Santos, and Cole Sulser.

Emilio Bonifacio

Bonifacio did not appear in the majors last year, opening the season on the indie ball circuit with Long Island (Atlantic League) and later joining the Brewers organization — playing five games for Colorado Springs. The MLB veteran slashed a modest .256 BA/.313 OBP/.333 SLG/.646 OPS line with 13 home runs across 2,894 plate appearances, with 165 RBI and 166 stolen bases over parts of 11 seasons in the majors. Bonifacio has spent of his career at second base (201 starts) and centerfield (170 starts) but also has plenty of experience at shortstop (100 starts), third base (135 starts), and both corner outfield spots (106 starts). He has played with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2007-2008), Washington Nationals (2008), Miami Marlins (2009-2012), Toronto Blue Jays (2013), Kansas City Royals (2013), Chicago Cubs (2014), Atlanta Braves (2014, 2016-2017) and Chicago White Sox (2015).

Ricardo Pinto

Pinto, 25, split time last season in the White Sox organization at Triple-A Charlotte and Class-A Winston-Salem, going 3-2 with a 5.95 ERA across 30 appearances including six starts. The right-hander made his big league debut with the Philadelphia Phillies two seasons ago, going 1-2 with a 7.89 ERA/6.36 FIP across 29-2/3 innings (25 outings).

Per Brooks Baseball, Pinto’s four-seam fastball (96 mph) has well above average velocity and results in somewhat more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ four-seamers. His changeup (88 mph) is much firmer than usual and has a lot of backspin. His sinker (95 mph) generates an extremely high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ sinkers, has well above average velocity and has slight arm side run. His slider (87 mph) has primarily 12-6 movement, generates fewer whiffs/swing compared to other pitchers’ sliders and has less than expected depth. His curve (80 mph) is basically never swung at and missed compared to other pitchers’ curves, results in more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ curves, has a sharp downward bite, is slightly harder than usual and has slight glove-side movement.

Casey Sadler

The 28-year-old Sadler pitched for the Pirates in 2014 and 2015, yet suffered an elbow injury which required Tommy John surgery in November 2015. After a long recovery, the right-hander made it back to the big leagues last August. Over the three seasons, he has pitched in nine Major League games having gone 1-1, with a 6.86 ERA. Sadler remains one out away from hurling his 20th inning. He most of his 2018 campaign at Triple-A, working to a 3.39 ERA with 7.1 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 across 77 innings.

Per Brooks Baseball, his sinker (93 mph) results in somewhat more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ sinkers, has slight arm side run and has some natural sinking action. His cutter (90 mph) is an extreme flyball pitch compared to other pitchers’ cutters and has slightly above average velocity. His curve (82 mph) is much harder than usual, results in more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ curves, has little depth and has slight glove-side movement. His changeup (87 mph) generates an extremely high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ changeups, is much firmer than usual, results in more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ changeups, has slight arm side fade and has some natural sink to it.

Luis Santos

Santos, 27, spent parts of the last two season in Toronto, going 1–2 with a 5.15 ERA/50.4 FIP over 25 appearances (36-2/3 IP). Last season, the right-hander pitched in 15 games (one start) in three stints with Toronto, going 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA, notching 20 strikeouts. Santos spent the remainder of the season in Triple-A, going 2-3 with a 2.74 ERA (42-2/3 IP) with 40 strikeouts across 20 appearances (two starts).

Per Brooks Baseball, Santos’ four-seam fastball (94 mph) generates an extremely high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ four-seamers, results in more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ four-seamers and has slightly above average velocity. His curve (84 mph) is thrown extremely hard, has very little depth, has primarily 12-6 movement and results in somewhat more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ curves. His changeup (87 mph) generates a high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ changeups, is much firmer than usual, has slight armside fade and has some natural sink to it. His sinker (94 mph) generates an extremely high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ sinkers, is an extreme flyball pitch compared to other pitchers’ sinkers, has slight armside run, has slightly above average velo and has some natural sinking action.

Cole Sulser

The 28-year-old Susler went 20-26 with a 4.02 ERA (378-1/3) in 176 appearances (37 starts) across five minor league seasons in the Cleveland organization. Last season, Sulser split his time between Triple-A Columbus and Double-A Akron, going 8-4 with a 3.86 ERA (60-2/3 IP), performing to a 14.1 K/9 across 47 appearances.

Tropicana Field to go cashless, Rays host optional workout, and Noteworthiness

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Tropicana Field is set to become the first cashless sports facility in North America.

Following news that the Tampa Bay Rays will reduce the seating capacity of Tropicana Field in 2019, the team announced the stadium will become the first cashless sports facility in North America.

According to the press release below, Tropicana Field’s concessions, team stores, box office, and all other points–of–sale will operate cash–free in 2019:

The Tampa Bay Rays announced today that, in collaboration with hospitality partner Levy and analytics and emerging tech firm E15, Tropicana Field will become the first cash–free sports venue in North America.

Tropicana Field’s concessions, team stores, box office, and all other points–of–sale will operate cash–free in 2019. The move follows extensive pilot testing engineered and led by E15 at Tropicana Field and venues nationwide to measure the effects of cash–free transactions. These tests found that transitioning to cash–free environments results in an average transaction time of up to half that of traditional environments that accept cash, resulting in faster moving lines and increased fan satisfaction.

Forms of payment accepted at concession stands and retail stores inside the ballpark will include major credit cards, Rays gift cards, NFC mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, and Season Ticket Holder Rays Cards. For fans without electronic forms of payment, cash can be exchanged for gift cards in any amount at all retail locations and in $10 or $20 increments through roaming gift card vendors. Tropicana Field’s parking operations will also be cash–free, as they were for the 2018 season.

“We have made significant investments each year to improve the ballpark experience for fans, including an overhaul of our approach to food and beverage since the beginning of our partnership with Levy,” said Rays Vice President of Strategy & Development William Walsh. “This change will increase speed of service and reduce lines throughout the ballpark.”

“Throughout our testing last season at Tropicana Field, we saw thatfans quickly adapted to cash–free environments and loved the resulting benefits to the game–day experience,” said Jaime Faulkner, CEO of E15. “By offering fans a variety of forms of electronic payment, coupled with the ability to exchange cash for gift cards, we can ensure that fans are having frictionless experiences and getting back to enjoy the game.”

Fan Fest on February 9 will be the first cash–free event at Tropicana Field in 2019. A free event, fans are invited to shop at the Rays Baseball Foundation’s Yard Sale, as well as the Rays Republic Team Store and auxiliary shops during Fan Fest. Several concession stands will also be open and will accept digital payments.

Concerned fans have been quick to push back on the new policy. And while the team intends to create a frictionless experience that allows fans to get back the game, the decision ignores how restrictive this can be for low-income households that do not have access to credit cards or are not in a position to load cards with cash they won’t get back later.

Or, in the words of John Romano (Tampa Bay Times), “Going cashless at Tropicana Field carries the unmistakable whiff of arrogance.”

It’s a bold idea, and the Rays say plenty of research indicates it will lead to a better, more streamlined fan experience at the stadium. That may be true in theory. And it may be the wave of the future.

But it ignores the reality that a lot of people, for whatever reason, prefer to use cash. Even worse, this unilateral decision carries an unmistakable whiff of arrogance.

We know what’s best for you.

Essentially, that’s what the Rays are saying. And that’s a horrible message to send when you’re in the business of trying to attract more customers. Especially when you’re the worst in the league at that skill.

Rays have reported interest in utility player Josh Harrison

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The Rays have shown reported interest in free-agent utility player Josh Harrison.

The Tampa Bay Rays are one of five teams that have reported interest in utility player Josh Harrison, tweeted Jon Heyman (Fancred) on Saturday.

The Dodgers, Giants, Angels, and Phillies are also said to be in on the versatile defender.

The 31-year-old Harrison is coming off a below-average season with Pittsburgh, which declined his $10.5-million club option in favor of a $1-million buyout. Yet Harrison has typically been a good offensive player and a solid defender over the span of his career.

Harrison is a .277 BA/.317 OBP/.408 SLG/.725 OPS.98 wRC+ hitter across 3,012 plate appearance. Harrison broke out with a 4.8 fWAR campaign four seasons ago, however, he has averaged a 1.3 fWAR over the past four seasons. Harrison slashed .250 BA/.293 OBP/.363 SLG/.656 OPS with 8 home runs over 374 plate appearances, performing to a 0.3 fWAR in 2018.

The utility player has spent time at second, third and in the corner outfield, although the vast majority of his playing time last season came on the right side of the infield.

While it is uncertain how Harrison could fit into the mix, it is thought he could offer the Rays further protection behind infielders Joey Wendle, Matt Duffy Willy Adames, Joey Wendle, Daniel Robertson, Christian Arroyo, Brandon Lowe, and Yandy Diaz, as well as corner outfielders Tommy Pham, Avisail Garcia, and Austin Meadows. It isn’t known whether he can learn first base for the purpose of platooning the position with Ji-Man Choi.

Rays to sign Avisail Garcia; interested in Matt Davidson

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The Tampa Bay Rays reportedly came to a one-year agreement with outfielder Avisail Garcia on Monday.

The Tampa Bay Rays dipped into the offseason free-agent market on Monday, reportedly coming to terms with outfielder Avisail Garcia on a one-year, $3.5-million deal. The deal is pending a physical and includes an addition $2.5-million in incentives.

The Rays have been in the market for a right-handed bat to pair with DH/1B Ji-Man Choi and Garcia fits that description to a large extent. The outfielder was plagued with knee and hamstring issues last season, limiting him to just 93 games in which he slashed a disappointing .236 BA/.281 OBP/.438 SLG/.719 OPS line over 385 plate appearances, with a -4 DRS in the outfield, leading to a modest 0.3 fWAR in spite of his power profile. In 2017, however, Garcia enjoyed a breakout campaign, performing to a .330 BA/.380 OBP/.506 SLG/.886 OPS line across 561 plate appearances, with 18 home runs, 80 RBI and a 4.6 fWAR.

Aside from the fact that Garcia is a low-risk, low-cost player, it is difficult to know what to make of him. He was clearly the recipient of the good luck dragons in 2017, posting a .392 BABIP which was an anomaly when compared to his career numbers. As Steve Adams (MLB Trade Rumors) writes, Garcia largely defied the odds.

Garcia struck out at a career-low 19.8 percent clip that season, but he also hit the ball on the ground at a 52.2 percent clip — hardly a trend that is conducive to success for a plodding player who is listed at 6’4″ and 240 pounds.

True to projections, Garcia regressed in 2018, although there are some silver linings, which Adams also noted.

Garcia hit the ball in the air at a career-high 34.4 percent rate, resulting in a clear power surge. Despite having just 385 PAs last season, he clubbed a career-high 19 home runs, and his .202 ISO (slugging percentage minus batting average) was easily a career-high mark as well. Moreover, Garcia’s hard-hit rate jumped from 40.7 percent in 2017 to 43.2 percent in 2018, per Statcast. At the same time, though, Garcia also punched out in a career-worst 26.5 percent of his plate appearances.

The Rays have a crowded outfield chock full of strong defenders like Tommy Pham, Kevin Kiermaier and Austin Meadows who are slated to receive the bulk of the regular work. This suggests that Garcia will likely see more time at DH and play in the outfield corners only sparingly.

If Garcia can cut back on his strikeouts, while maintaining his hard-contact and fly-ball gains, he could prove to be a cheap source of power next season.

Noteworthiness

— In a tweet, Saturday Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic) noted Tampa Bay’s interest in free-agent corner infielder Matt Davidson as a potential two-way player.

Davidson is most known for his offensive prowess. The former top-100 prospect combined for 46 homers with the ChiSox between 2017 and 2018, during which he slashed .224 BA/.291 OBP/.345 SLG/.636 OPS/94 wRC+ across 939 plate appearances. He did fare better last season, posting a 104 wRC+ across 496 PAs and walking a career-high 10.5% (up from 4.3% the season previous), with a .228 BA/.319 OBP/.419 SLG/.738 OPS/.321 wOBA/104 wRC+.

More interestingly though, Davidson factored into Chicago’s bullpen, tossing 3-1/3 innings of one-hit ball in three appearances from June through August.

Davidson has reportedly worked to become a better option on out of the ‘pen since the end of the season, and the White Sox liked what they saw out of the right-hander’s 92 mph fastball. He also displayed a nasty breaking ball, which he used to strike out Rougned Odor and Giancarlo Stanton (seen above). Even so, Chicago chose not to tender Davidson’s projected $2.4-million contract via arbitration.

Davidson’s likely purpose would be to platoon first base with Ji-Man Choi, the projected starter at the position. The left-handed Choi logged tremendous production last season in 221 plate appearances, slashing .280 BA/.372 OBP/.536 SLG/.908 OPS/146 wRC+ with nine homers, 22 runs, 23 RBI and a .256 ISO. Yet Choi played sparingly left-handed pitchers, while Davidson destroyed southpaws, suggesting a platoon at first.