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Rays Facing Tough Roster Decisions with Their Infield in 2025

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Rays prospect Carson Williams' debut is highyl anticipated, but the team's infield logjam heading into spring training could complicate things.

The Tampa Bay Rays enter the 2025 season facing a good problem—too much infield depth. While depth is usually a strength, it can also create challenges, especially when top prospects are blocked from reaching the majors.

With established veterans like Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe holding key positions, and rising stars such as Carson Williams and Xavier Isaac knocking on the door, the Rays must decide how to navigate this infield logjam. Will they make trades to clear space? Shift players to new positions? Or will talented prospects be forced to wait longer for their shot at the big leagues?

As spring training approaches, these roster decisions could shape the Rays’ future in 2025 and beyond.

Rays Facing Infield Logjam Heading into 2025

The Rays have established veterans such as Díaz and Taylor Walls, but they also have top prospects like Williams, Isaac, and Brayden Taylor pushing for their shot at the big leagues. However, several roster decisions could delay their path.

• Shortstop: The Rays just signed Ha-Seong Kim, which could block Carson Williams from making his debut. While Kim is expected to spark the offense, his presence raises the question: what happens to Williams? Does he wait his turn, or will the Rays consider shifting him to another position to help ease the infield logjam?

• First Base: Yandy Díaz remains one of the Rays’ most consistent hitters, boasting a high on-base percentage and an elite glove. However, his presence prevents Xavier Isaac and Tre’ Morgan from earning a spot on the big-league roster.

• Second Base: Brandon Lowe leads the way, but the Rays also have Christopher Morel, Richie Palacios, José Caballero, and Jonathan Aranda fighting for playing time. While some of them offer positional versatility, it still creates a major logjam.

• Third Base: Junior Caminero is expected to be the Rays’ starting third baseman, but Curtis Mead and Brayden Taylor are also competing for playing time.

With so much depth, the Rays must determine which players fit into their long-term plans and which might become trade candidates.

Which Prospects Are Blocked?

If the Rays don’t make roster adjustments, several key prospects may have to wait longer for their chance in the majors:

• Carson Williams (SS): Williams is a future star with elite defense and a strong power-speed combination. However, Kim’s presence at shortstop could force him to wait or transition to another position.

• Xavier Isaac (1B): One of the Rays’ top first-base prospects, but with Díaz handling most of the workload, Isaac’s path to the majors remains blocked.

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• Brayden Taylor (3B): While he’s an exciting prospect, Taylor is currently competing with Mead and Caminero, both of whom are closer to being MLB-ready. This could prolong his development or make him a trade candidate.

• Tre’ Morgan (1B): With elite defense and great contact-hitting ability, Tre’ Morgan is a promising prospect. However, with Díaz and Isaac ahead of him, his future role with the Rays is uncertain.

Potential Trade Candidates

To clear space for prospects, the Rays could explore trading some of their veterans and depth players.

Yandy Díaz

Moving Díaz would free up first base for Isaac or Morgan. While he recently signed an extension, the Rays could get a solid return in a trade, especially if their first base prospects impress during spring training.

Taylor Walls

Walls, who also re-signed with the Rays, remains a strong defensive player. However, his limited offensive production makes him expendable, especially with several prospects offering more upside at the plate.

Brandon Lowe

A key part of the Rays’ lineup for years, but injuries have made his future uncertain. With younger, cheaper options available at second base, the Rays could consider trading him to shed payroll.

Richie Palacios

Palacios provided a spark in 2024, contributing offensively and defensively. However, with Kim’s arrival, he no longer has a clear role, making him a potential trade piece.

Curtis Mead

A top-hitting prospect who has little left to prove in the minors. With Caminero, Taylor, and Williams rising through the system, the Rays may need to decide if Mead fits into their long-term plans or if he’s better used as trade bait.

José Caballero

A speedy, strong defensive player, but his below-average bat limits his ceiling. With Kim at shortstop and Williams developing quickly, Caballero might not have a long-term role in Tampa Bay.

Position Changes?

Junior Caminero (3B to OF):

Caminero is a highly regarded prospect with excellent power and potential as an infielder, primarily at third base. However, with the Rays’ depth at third base, they could explore moving Caminero to the outfield. His athleticism and strong arm could make him a versatile outfielder, and the move could help balance the Rays’ lineup by creating room for other infield prospects. Plus, with his bat being a key part of his profile, keeping him in a position where he can maximize his at-bats is crucial.

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Christopher Morel (2B/3B to OF):

Morel’s move to the outfield, as we saw with the Cubs, could be a great option for the Rays as well. He’s an incredibly dynamic player with solid power and speed. His bat can be useful anywhere in the lineup, and moving him to the outfield would allow the Rays to keep his bat in the lineup more consistently. With the Rays potentially needing more depth in the outfield, Morel could provide value there while continuing to develop offensively. Plus, his ability to play both infield and outfield could offer the Rays the kind of positional flexibility they often seek.

Why Spring Training Will Be Crucial

Spring Training will provide a major opportunity for prospects to prove they belong at the MLB level. If one or more have a breakout performance, the Rays may look to fix their infield logjam during the season.

The Last Word

After a disappointing 2024 season, the Rays are hoping for a turnaround with a healthier starting rotation and improved offensive production. The question remains: is their infield logjam a real problem, or will they simply be patient and wait until the trade deadline to make decisions?

 

Photo Credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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