Rays Notes: Coaching, Glasnow, Catcher

The Tampa Bay Rays coaching staff will undergo some changes this offseason, as reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. One notable departure is the club’s head of mental performance, Justin Su’a, who will reduce his role next season due to family considerations. Su’a has been with the club since 2018, and it is unclear how his responsibilities will be covered as he transitions into a smaller role.

In addition, Topkin mentions that the Rays are actively looking to fill the first base coach vacancy left by Chris Prieto. Interviews for the position will begin this week, with internal candidates such as Triple-A manager Michael Johns, Double-A manager Morgan Ensberg, and coaching/player development assistant director Alejandro Freire being considered. External candidates will also be interviewed. Both Ensberg and Freire have major league playing experience, which adds to their qualifications for the job.

Besides the coaching changes, Topkin discusses the Rays’ upcoming offseason decisions. Although the team has expressed openness to increasing payroll, RosterResource projects a payroll of $130 million for next season, a $51 million increase from 2023. This significant jump in payroll, coupled with the need to explore cost-saving measures, could lead the club to consider trading right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who is set to make $25 million in his final year before free agency.

However, trading Glasnow comes with its challenges, particularly the impact it would have on the team’s starting rotation for the start of the 2024 season. While Zach Eflin and Aaron Civale are expected to secure rotation spots, other options are less certain. Shane Baz, Zack Littell, and Taj Bradley had mixed results in their 2023 starts, while Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs are recovering from surgeries. If the Rays part ways with Glasnow, they will likely need to acquire another starting pitcher to fill the void.

Topkin suggests that the Rays should make a decision on Glasnow early in the offseason. This decision would greatly influence the team’s overall offseason plan, allowing them to search for a replacement starter or determine how else to reduce payroll. Outfielders Manuel Margot and Harold Ramirez, as well as catcher Christian Bethancourt, are potential trade candidates mentioned in relation to cost-saving moves.

Bethancourt, who turned 32, was the primary catcher for Tampa Bay in 2023 but struggled offensively. Towards the end of the season, 26-year-old Rene Pinto took over the everyday catching duties and performed well. It appears that the Rays are looking for a new direction behind the plate and could part ways with Bethancourt. They will also prioritize acquiring catching help to complement Pinto.

One option Topkin suggests is reuniting with Alex Jackson, who played for the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate before getting injured. Jackson has been a depth option for various teams and struggled with his opportunities in the majors. However, at 27 years old with a solid Triple-A performance, he could potentially thrive with more consistent playing time. The free agent market for catchers includes players like Gary Sanchez and Victor Caratini as potential regular options.