The Tampa Bay Rays made a pair of deals Friday afternoon, agreeing to a one-year, $2.5-Million contract (including $1-Million in incentives) with first baseman/designated hitter Logan Morrison, and inking a minor league deal with INF Rickie Weeks.
Sources: Rays and Logan Morrison have agreed on a one-year, $2.5M deal. Tampa Bay has a full 40-man roster, so a move will need to be made.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 3, 2017
#Rays sign INF Rickie Weeks to minor league deal
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 3, 2017
It would appear, with Morrison returning, the team will move Brad Miller off first and over to second base. The newly acquired infielders should put to rest any remaining whispers surrounding the Rays and National League co-home run champion Chris Carter, although they could still add a right-handed bat tweets Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times)
Would seem with Morrison returning, #Rays will go ahead and move Miller to 2B. Could still add RH bat or Wieters too.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 3, 2017
Tampa Bay will need to make a corresponding 40-man roster move to make Morrison’s re-signing official. As for Weeks, in the 2003 draft the Rays were forced to choose between he and Delmon Young for the top pick. They took Young, and the rest is history.
Finally, the team officially announced the previously reported signings of right-handed pitchers David Carpenter and Cory Rasmus — both of whom received minor league deals. All earned invitation to Spring Training.
We will update this piece shortly, keep checking back.