Mat Germain
@matgermain.bsky.social
Proud Canadian #ElbowsUp, Father to two outstanding girls
Healthcare should be well funded and non-profit
Will fight ignorance & hatred in any way possible.
Covering #Rays since '12 through @BaseballBiz Podcast (current)
SB Nation & Fansided (past)
Healthcare should be well funded and non-profit
Will fight ignorance & hatred in any way possible.
Covering #Rays since '12 through @BaseballBiz Podcast (current)
SB Nation & Fansided (past)
Pinned
Mat Germain
@matgermain.bsky.social
· Nov 11
#WorldBaseballClassic is very close & I'm starting to get intrigued by #Canada 's potential roster makeup. With Vladdy jr wearing #Canadian jersey into the stadium Game 7 & signing a long-term deal, could he finally make the leap & play for #Canada?
Let's look at the others on team #Canada
(thread)
Let's look at the others on team #Canada
(thread)
Are #Rays OF obsessed due to lacklustre OF system in past?
(* = acquired in trade, # = high draft, ^ = costly int'l sign)
AA
A Smith *
A Overn *
M Horvath *
N Myers
A+
A Mateo ^
T Gillen #
B Summerhill #
M Toole #
A/Rk
S de Brun *
L Pineda ^
D Moss #
J Quinn-Irons #
M Coret ^
B Guerrero ^
(* = acquired in trade, # = high draft, ^ = costly int'l sign)
AA
A Smith *
A Overn *
M Horvath *
N Myers
A+
A Mateo ^
T Gillen #
B Summerhill #
M Toole #
A/Rk
S de Brun *
L Pineda ^
D Moss #
J Quinn-Irons #
M Coret ^
B Guerrero ^
December 19, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Are #Rays OF obsessed due to lacklustre OF system in past?
(* = acquired in trade, # = high draft, ^ = costly int'l sign)
AA
A Smith *
A Overn *
M Horvath *
N Myers
A+
A Mateo ^
T Gillen #
B Summerhill #
M Toole #
A/Rk
S de Brun *
L Pineda ^
D Moss #
J Quinn-Irons #
M Coret ^
B Guerrero ^
(* = acquired in trade, # = high draft, ^ = costly int'l sign)
AA
A Smith *
A Overn *
M Horvath *
N Myers
A+
A Mateo ^
T Gillen #
B Summerhill #
M Toole #
A/Rk
S de Brun *
L Pineda ^
D Moss #
J Quinn-Irons #
M Coret ^
B Guerrero ^
People who submit blank ballots should be removed from voting in all subsequent years. #MLB
Ballot #35 is a blank ballot from a voter who wishes to remain anonymous. It is our second known blank ballot of the cycle. We are unable to report on any drops, if applicable
In the Tracker: tracker.fyi
In the Tracker: tracker.fyi
December 19, 2025 at 9:59 PM
People who submit blank ballots should be removed from voting in all subsequent years. #MLB
Truly don't think people realize how much this - PLUS getting the 2nd overall pick in 2026 draft - will alter the #Rays future shortly. By the time they get into new stadium, these talents will arrive, along with Theo Gillen, Brady Hopkins, Xavier Isaac and Trevor Harrison. Extremely bright future.
December 19, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Truly don't think people realize how much this - PLUS getting the 2nd overall pick in 2026 draft - will alter the #Rays future shortly. By the time they get into new stadium, these talents will arrive, along with Theo Gillen, Brady Hopkins, Xavier Isaac and Trevor Harrison. Extremely bright future.
Note: #Rays could also decide to trade for Brendan Donovan from #STLCards who's GM just happens to be extremely close to one Erik Neander...
#Rays options to resolve 2B
1) Add Tre' Morgan to 40-man roster (best 1B defensively in all of minors), move Jonathan Aranda to 2B
2) Sign Luis Arraez to play 1B/DH, move Jonathan Aranda to 2B
3) Trade for Ketel Marte, keep Jonathan Aranda at 1B
Personally vote for #3, but it's not my call.
#RaysUp
1) Add Tre' Morgan to 40-man roster (best 1B defensively in all of minors), move Jonathan Aranda to 2B
2) Sign Luis Arraez to play 1B/DH, move Jonathan Aranda to 2B
3) Trade for Ketel Marte, keep Jonathan Aranda at 1B
Personally vote for #3, but it's not my call.
#RaysUp
a baseball player in a red and blue uniform runs towards the base
ALT: a baseball player in a red and blue uniform runs towards the base
media.tenor.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:55 PM
#Rays options to resolve 2B
1) Add Tre' Morgan to 40-man roster (best 1B defensively in all of minors), move Jonathan Aranda to 2B
2) Sign Luis Arraez to play 1B/DH, move Jonathan Aranda to 2B
3) Trade for Ketel Marte, keep Jonathan Aranda at 1B
Personally vote for #3, but it's not my call.
#RaysUp
1) Add Tre' Morgan to 40-man roster (best 1B defensively in all of minors), move Jonathan Aranda to 2B
2) Sign Luis Arraez to play 1B/DH, move Jonathan Aranda to 2B
3) Trade for Ketel Marte, keep Jonathan Aranda at 1B
Personally vote for #3, but it's not my call.
#RaysUp
a baseball player in a red and blue uniform runs towards the base
ALT: a baseball player in a red and blue uniform runs towards the base
media.tenor.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Brandon Lowe ($11.5M) + S Baz (~$3.1M) clear $14.6M for #Rays to re-allocate to other players.
In related news, Ketel Marte is set to make $12.5M in 2026...
If they work out a deal with #DBacks, they'll still be under the $90M total for 2026.
In related news, Ketel Marte is set to make $12.5M in 2026...
If they work out a deal with #DBacks, they'll still be under the $90M total for 2026.
a baseball player for the colorado rockies holds his bat
ALT: a baseball player for the colorado rockies holds his bat
media.tenor.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Jacob Melton 2025 MLB Highlights!
YouTube video by Nebula Sports
youtu.be
December 19, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Revamped #Pirates lineup:
LF Jake Mangum (S)
CF Oneil Cruz (L)
RF Bryan Reynolds (S)
2B Brandon Lowe (L)
3B Jared Triolo
1B Spencer Horwitz (L)
SS Nick Gonzales
C Joey Bart
DH Jhostynxon Garcia
LF Jake Mangum (S)
CF Oneil Cruz (L)
RF Bryan Reynolds (S)
2B Brandon Lowe (L)
3B Jared Triolo
1B Spencer Horwitz (L)
SS Nick Gonzales
C Joey Bart
DH Jhostynxon Garcia
December 19, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Revamped #Pirates lineup:
LF Jake Mangum (S)
CF Oneil Cruz (L)
RF Bryan Reynolds (S)
2B Brandon Lowe (L)
3B Jared Triolo
1B Spencer Horwitz (L)
SS Nick Gonzales
C Joey Bart
DH Jhostynxon Garcia
LF Jake Mangum (S)
CF Oneil Cruz (L)
RF Bryan Reynolds (S)
2B Brandon Lowe (L)
3B Jared Triolo
1B Spencer Horwitz (L)
SS Nick Gonzales
C Joey Bart
DH Jhostynxon Garcia
Updated #Rays '25 draft picks aboard, overall selection:
14th, INF Daniel Pierce
30th, C Caden Bodine
37th, OF Slater de Brun
42nd, OF Brendan Summerhill
53rd, INF Cooper Flemming
67th, OF Dean Moss
86th, C/1B/OF Taitn Gray
That's 7 of the top 86 picks, all of them position players...
#MLB #Milb
14th, INF Daniel Pierce
30th, C Caden Bodine
37th, OF Slater de Brun
42nd, OF Brendan Summerhill
53rd, INF Cooper Flemming
67th, OF Dean Moss
86th, C/1B/OF Taitn Gray
That's 7 of the top 86 picks, all of them position players...
#MLB #Milb
December 19, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Brandon Lowe wore #8 for #Rays, leaves them while ranking 8th all time in hits (657), just behind Kevin Kiermaier's 756.
Better known for his power, he leaves ranking 3rd all time with 157 HR, just 6 shy of Carlos Pena who had 163.
He accumulated 16.9 fWAR over 8 seasons or just over 2 fWAR per yr.
Better known for his power, he leaves ranking 3rd all time with 157 HR, just 6 shy of Carlos Pena who had 163.
He accumulated 16.9 fWAR over 8 seasons or just over 2 fWAR per yr.
a baseball player with the number 8 on the back of his shirt
ALT: a baseball player with the number 8 on the back of his shirt
media.tenor.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Brandon Lowe wore #8 for #Rays, leaves them while ranking 8th all time in hits (657), just behind Kevin Kiermaier's 756.
Better known for his power, he leaves ranking 3rd all time with 157 HR, just 6 shy of Carlos Pena who had 163.
He accumulated 16.9 fWAR over 8 seasons or just over 2 fWAR per yr.
Better known for his power, he leaves ranking 3rd all time with 157 HR, just 6 shy of Carlos Pena who had 163.
He accumulated 16.9 fWAR over 8 seasons or just over 2 fWAR per yr.
#Rays SP depth update
Along with those on attached picture, #Rays have AAA group:
LHP Joe Rock * on 40
LHP Ian Seymour * on 40
RHP Jesse Scholtens * on 40
RHP Osvaldo Bido * on 40
---
RHP Brody Hopkins
RHP Ty Johnson
RHP Logan Workman
RHP Jake Woodford
RHP Ty Cummings
RHP Roel Garcia III
Along with those on attached picture, #Rays have AAA group:
LHP Joe Rock * on 40
LHP Ian Seymour * on 40
RHP Jesse Scholtens * on 40
RHP Osvaldo Bido * on 40
---
RHP Brody Hopkins
RHP Ty Johnson
RHP Logan Workman
RHP Jake Woodford
RHP Ty Cummings
RHP Roel Garcia III
December 19, 2025 at 8:01 PM
This adds up to ~ $22M added for #Rays through Arb if they all return. Note: #Rays 40-man roster currently stands at 37, so 3 more can be added (would bank on at least 1 being a FA SP)
With #Rays recent moves & signing McClanahan, here are outstanding Arb cases:
Ryan Pepiot: $3.7M
Griffin Jax: $3.6M
Josh Lowe: $2.9M
Nick Fortes: $2.4M
Garrett Cleavinger: $2.1M
Bryan Baker: $1.5M
Edwin Uceta: $1.4M
Cole Sulser: $1.2M
Manuel Rodriguez: $1.2M
Kevin Kelly: $1M
Richie Palacios: $1M
Ryan Pepiot: $3.7M
Griffin Jax: $3.6M
Josh Lowe: $2.9M
Nick Fortes: $2.4M
Garrett Cleavinger: $2.1M
Bryan Baker: $1.5M
Edwin Uceta: $1.4M
Cole Sulser: $1.2M
Manuel Rodriguez: $1.2M
Kevin Kelly: $1M
Richie Palacios: $1M
December 19, 2025 at 7:54 PM
With #Rays recent moves & signing McClanahan, here are outstanding Arb cases:
Ryan Pepiot: $3.7M
Griffin Jax: $3.6M
Josh Lowe: $2.9M
Nick Fortes: $2.4M
Garrett Cleavinger: $2.1M
Bryan Baker: $1.5M
Edwin Uceta: $1.4M
Cole Sulser: $1.2M
Manuel Rodriguez: $1.2M
Kevin Kelly: $1M
Richie Palacios: $1M
Ryan Pepiot: $3.7M
Griffin Jax: $3.6M
Josh Lowe: $2.9M
Nick Fortes: $2.4M
Garrett Cleavinger: $2.1M
Bryan Baker: $1.5M
Edwin Uceta: $1.4M
Cole Sulser: $1.2M
Manuel Rodriguez: $1.2M
Kevin Kelly: $1M
Richie Palacios: $1M
December 19, 2025 at 7:52 PM
With #Rays recent moves & signing McClanahan, here are outstanding Arb cases:
Ryan Pepiot: $3.7M
Griffin Jax: $3.6M
Josh Lowe: $2.9M
Nick Fortes: $2.4M
Garrett Cleavinger: $2.1M
Bryan Baker: $1.5M
Edwin Uceta: $1.4M
Cole Sulser: $1.2M
Manuel Rodriguez: $1.2M
Kevin Kelly: $1M
Richie Palacios: $1M
Ryan Pepiot: $3.7M
Griffin Jax: $3.6M
Josh Lowe: $2.9M
Nick Fortes: $2.4M
Garrett Cleavinger: $2.1M
Bryan Baker: $1.5M
Edwin Uceta: $1.4M
Cole Sulser: $1.2M
Manuel Rodriguez: $1.2M
Kevin Kelly: $1M
Richie Palacios: $1M
So #Rays essentially added 4 players who received $8.4M in signing bonuses total through respective drafts, added opportunity to spend ~$2.9M on their own 33rd overall draft selection in '26, and freed up ~ $2.3M likely due to Baz through Arb raise ($3.1M total expected by MLBTR, Lg Min is $800K).
December 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM
So #Rays essentially added 4 players who received $8.4M in signing bonuses total through respective drafts, added opportunity to spend ~$2.9M on their own 33rd overall draft selection in '26, and freed up ~ $2.3M likely due to Baz through Arb raise ($3.1M total expected by MLBTR, Lg Min is $800K).
Other way to look at #Rays new adds from #Orioles:
Slater de Brun, 37th overall, $4M sign bonus
Caden Bodine, 30th overall, $3.11M sign bonus
Austin Overn, 97th overall, $847,500 sign bonus
Michael Forret, 421st overall, $450,000 sign bonus
Comp Balance Round A, 33rd overall, ~ $2.9M Slot value
Slater de Brun, 37th overall, $4M sign bonus
Caden Bodine, 30th overall, $3.11M sign bonus
Austin Overn, 97th overall, $847,500 sign bonus
Michael Forret, 421st overall, $450,000 sign bonus
Comp Balance Round A, 33rd overall, ~ $2.9M Slot value
December 19, 2025 at 7:22 PM
December 19, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Question that addition of Jacob Melton brings up is what #Rays do with their overly abundant OF depth (* = has option)
MLB level
Cedric Mullins
Jake Fraley
Chandler Simpson *
Jacob Metlon *
Jonny DeLuca *
Josh Lowe *
Richie Palacios *
AAA
Colton Ledbetter
Homer Bush jr
Brock Jones
MLB level
Cedric Mullins
Jake Fraley
Chandler Simpson *
Jacob Metlon *
Jonny DeLuca *
Josh Lowe *
Richie Palacios *
AAA
Colton Ledbetter
Homer Bush jr
Brock Jones
December 19, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Question that addition of Jacob Melton brings up is what #Rays do with their overly abundant OF depth (* = has option)
MLB level
Cedric Mullins
Jake Fraley
Chandler Simpson *
Jacob Metlon *
Jonny DeLuca *
Josh Lowe *
Richie Palacios *
AAA
Colton Ledbetter
Homer Bush jr
Brock Jones
MLB level
Cedric Mullins
Jake Fraley
Chandler Simpson *
Jacob Metlon *
Jonny DeLuca *
Josh Lowe *
Richie Palacios *
AAA
Colton Ledbetter
Homer Bush jr
Brock Jones
Reposted by Mat Germain
The Rays are set to acquire Astros prospects Jacob Melton (No. 1) and Anderson Brito (No. 3) in a three-team trade that includes the Pirates, per @Chandler_Rome.
The deal is medical review.
Scouting reports on Melton and Brito: buff.ly/JVkHZ0p
The deal is medical review.
Scouting reports on Melton and Brito: buff.ly/JVkHZ0p
December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Rays are set to acquire Astros prospects Jacob Melton (No. 1) and Anderson Brito (No. 3) in a three-team trade that includes the Pirates, per @Chandler_Rome.
The deal is medical review.
Scouting reports on Melton and Brito: buff.ly/JVkHZ0p
The deal is medical review.
Scouting reports on Melton and Brito: buff.ly/JVkHZ0p
#Rays genius:
1. Trade Brandon Lowe, clears up $11.5M, get CF solved long-term in process, Magot style role for Mullins (love it)
2. Trade Shane Baz, adds 4 prospects & Comp Bal Rd A pick - 33rd overall
3. $11.5M cleared potentially allows signing of Zach Elin, taken 33rd overall in 2012
#MLB
1. Trade Brandon Lowe, clears up $11.5M, get CF solved long-term in process, Magot style role for Mullins (love it)
2. Trade Shane Baz, adds 4 prospects & Comp Bal Rd A pick - 33rd overall
3. $11.5M cleared potentially allows signing of Zach Elin, taken 33rd overall in 2012
#MLB
December 19, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Revamped #Rays, for now:
RF Cedric Mullins *
3B Junior Caminero
1B Jonathan Aranda
DH Yandy Diaz
LF Jake Fraley * or Chandler Simpson
C Hunter Feduccia or Nick Fortes
2B Ryan Vilade * or Richie Palacios
CF Jacob Melton *
SS Carson Williams or Taylor Walls
SP Ras, Pep, Matz, Boyle, Seymour (Sugar)
RF Cedric Mullins *
3B Junior Caminero
1B Jonathan Aranda
DH Yandy Diaz
LF Jake Fraley * or Chandler Simpson
C Hunter Feduccia or Nick Fortes
2B Ryan Vilade * or Richie Palacios
CF Jacob Melton *
SS Carson Williams or Taylor Walls
SP Ras, Pep, Matz, Boyle, Seymour (Sugar)
December 19, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Revamped #Rays, for now:
RF Cedric Mullins *
3B Junior Caminero
1B Jonathan Aranda
DH Yandy Diaz
LF Jake Fraley * or Chandler Simpson
C Hunter Feduccia or Nick Fortes
2B Ryan Vilade * or Richie Palacios
CF Jacob Melton *
SS Carson Williams or Taylor Walls
SP Ras, Pep, Matz, Boyle, Seymour (Sugar)
RF Cedric Mullins *
3B Junior Caminero
1B Jonathan Aranda
DH Yandy Diaz
LF Jake Fraley * or Chandler Simpson
C Hunter Feduccia or Nick Fortes
2B Ryan Vilade * or Richie Palacios
CF Jacob Melton *
SS Carson Williams or Taylor Walls
SP Ras, Pep, Matz, Boyle, Seymour (Sugar)
#Orioles Shane Baz is an awesome guys with loads of talent, but he's also an oft injured pitcher who finally pitched a decent number of innings for the very first time in his career in 2025.
Fully expect #Rays to announce signing a SP, potentially Zack Littell or Zach Elfin, shortly.
#MLB
Fully expect #Rays to announce signing a SP, potentially Zack Littell or Zach Elfin, shortly.
#MLB
December 19, 2025 at 6:37 PM