Remember how the 2020 MLB Winter Meetings were supposed to take place in Dallas, but instead, they are taking place virtually? Thanks a lot, COVID-19.

The 2020 Major League Baseball Winter Meetings are upon us and with it comes all the hustle and bustle of a normal meeting of the league’s brain trusts, minus the actual hustle and bustle given that the meetings this year are taking place virtually. COVID-19 is not only responsible for a shortened 2020 season, and a preposterous extra-inning rule change, but now the pandemic has relegated the Winter Meetings to, essentially, wheeling, dealing, and rumor milling over Live Journal.

I digress.

While offseason trade rumors have circulated around Blake Snell (he’s likely not going anywhere) and Kevin Kiermaier (there’s a log-jam in the outfield), nothing substantive has come of it, at least not yet.

Rays Senior VP/General Manager Erik Neander reiterated the known knowns on Monday, in a media Zoom call, noting that catching and pitching depth are the two primary areas of need heading into Spring Training 2021.

I think anything we can be doing to strengthen our depth with our pitching is something we’re going to be looking to do. On roster is challenging, because of those injuries, but also off-roster.

— Erik Neander

As of now, Tampa Bay has just one catcher on the 40-man roster, prospect Ronaldo Hernandez, while four pitchers (Jalen Beeks, Yonny Chirinos, Brendan McKay, and Colin Poche) were lost to injury last season. It also bears mentioning that Charlie Morton recently inked a one-year deal with Atlanta, which created a hole in the Rays’ rotation.

On the catching side of things, it’s unlikely that Tampa Bay will add an expensive option behind the plate. That is, don’t expect J.T. Realmuto or even a second-tier option like James McCann to suit up for the Rays anytime soon. However, there are affordable options available like Mike Zunino and Kevan Smith, as well as Jason Castro, Alex Avila, and the recently non-tendered former Ray Curt Casali.

Neander mentioned that they continue to have conversations with Zunino and Smith.

Those are two guys that in their own ways last year did a nice job for us, and filled needs in roles that were critical to our success. Appreciate both of them. They have a right to explore their opportunities and see what’s out there.

— Erik Neander

There also are intriguing options on the trade market, such as Willson Contreras, Francisco Mejia, and several veteran options in Cleveland. As Steve Adams (MLB Trade Rumors) writes, “the Blue Jays have a glut of young backstops on the 40-man roster. If the Rays were to move Snell, they could push for a young catcher to be a focal point of any return.” However, that’s a big if. After all, the Rays do not routinely trade within the division, and they would be seeking a king’s ransom for the former Cy Young Award winner.

Neander also said they want to improve their pitching depth, especially on the starting side.

We’re going to have to build this group out further and see where it takes us.

— Erik Neander

Currently, Tampa Bay boasts three obvious starters: Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Ryan Yarbrough. Additionally, there are other options such as Josh Fleming, Brent Honeywell, Shane McClanahan — whom Neander says they view as a starter — Trevor Richards, Joe Ryan, and Aaron Slegers. Still, regardless if Snell indeed is seen as a viable trade option, Neander would be wise to seek out a veteran hurler amongst all the green pitching talent within the farm system.

The Rays did attempt to address the issue by re-signing right-hander Andrew Kittredge to a minor league contract. Kittredge hit the IL with a season-ending UCL injury in August, although he has thrown three bullpen sessions at full intensity without further issue. He is expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training. The right-hander gives the Rays a relief option that complements Pete Fairbanks, Diego Castillo, Jose Alvarado, and Nick Anderson. He also has the ability to open ball games.

The 30-year-old spent parts of the past four seasons in Tampa Bay, pitching to a combined 4.93 ERA/4.25 FIP across 111-1/3 frames. However, those numbers had been negatively skewed by an awful 2018 campaign. Since then, Kittredge has tossed 57-1/3 innings with a serviceable 3.90 ERA/3.51 FIP, a 4.36 K/BB, and a 51.9% GB%.

Next up on the agenda, the Rule 5 Draft which takes place on Thursday.

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