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)
#MLB inexplicably does not allow trades of Draft picks with exceptions of compensation picks. Yet just 5 months after the draft, #Rays were able to add 2 x Top 40 picks to their already healthy 2025 draft haul. Imo, #MLB is missing out on the attention that draft picks trades bring to other sports.
December 20, 2025 at 1:05 AM
How I see this trade overall:
#Astros got highest ceiling & solved biggest need
#Pirates got deeper & much harder to play against (raised floor the most)
#Rays have lowest risk & longest control, best potential overall value long term
#MLB
#Astros got highest ceiling & solved biggest need
#Pirates got deeper & much harder to play against (raised floor the most)
#Rays have lowest risk & longest control, best potential overall value long term
#MLB
OFFICIAL: We have acquired 2B Brandon Lowe, LHP Mason Montgomery, and OF Jake Mangum from the Rays and have traded RHP Mike Burrows to the Astros as part of a three-team deal.
December 20, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Reposted by Mat Germain
#Rays signed 2B Raynel Delgado (25)
He hit .281/.363/.378 for #Brewers AAA affiliate in 2025
Stole 40 bases
Hitting .292/.365/.354 in winter league
Was with #Guardians prior to 2025
At a time when #Rays are shopping Brandon Lowe, this is an extremely intriguing addition. www.mlb.com/video/raynel...
He hit .281/.363/.378 for #Brewers AAA affiliate in 2025
Stole 40 bases
Hitting .292/.365/.354 in winter league
Was with #Guardians prior to 2025
At a time when #Rays are shopping Brandon Lowe, this is an extremely intriguing addition. www.mlb.com/video/raynel...
Raynel Delgado hits for the cycle | 08/20/2025
Brewers second baseman Raynel Delgado hits for the cycle on a career-high five-RBI night for Triple-A Nashville
www.mlb.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:48 PM
#Rays signed 2B Raynel Delgado (25)
He hit .281/.363/.378 for #Brewers AAA affiliate in 2025
Stole 40 bases
Hitting .292/.365/.354 in winter league
Was with #Guardians prior to 2025
At a time when #Rays are shopping Brandon Lowe, this is an extremely intriguing addition. www.mlb.com/video/raynel...
He hit .281/.363/.378 for #Brewers AAA affiliate in 2025
Stole 40 bases
Hitting .292/.365/.354 in winter league
Was with #Guardians prior to 2025
At a time when #Rays are shopping Brandon Lowe, this is an extremely intriguing addition. www.mlb.com/video/raynel...
Reposted by Mat Germain
How big of an upgrade would Ketel Marte be for #Rays at 2B?
Brandon Lowe in 2025
.256/.307/.477 with .221 ISO, 114 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR
Ketel Marte in 2025
.283/.376/.517 with .233 ISO, 145 wRC+, 4.6 fWAR
It would be a very significant upgrade, and for Marte deferrals lower AAV through his deal to '31
Brandon Lowe in 2025
.256/.307/.477 with .221 ISO, 114 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR
Ketel Marte in 2025
.283/.376/.517 with .233 ISO, 145 wRC+, 4.6 fWAR
It would be a very significant upgrade, and for Marte deferrals lower AAV through his deal to '31
a baseball player swings his bat at a ball in front of a sign that says 374
ALT: a baseball player swings his bat at a ball in front of a sign that says 374
media.tenor.com
December 12, 2025 at 9:47 AM
How big of an upgrade would Ketel Marte be for #Rays at 2B?
Brandon Lowe in 2025
.256/.307/.477 with .221 ISO, 114 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR
Ketel Marte in 2025
.283/.376/.517 with .233 ISO, 145 wRC+, 4.6 fWAR
It would be a very significant upgrade, and for Marte deferrals lower AAV through his deal to '31
Brandon Lowe in 2025
.256/.307/.477 with .221 ISO, 114 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR
Ketel Marte in 2025
.283/.376/.517 with .233 ISO, 145 wRC+, 4.6 fWAR
It would be a very significant upgrade, and for Marte deferrals lower AAV through his deal to '31
Potential #WBC 2026 #Mexico lineup:
LF Randy Arozarena
CF Jarren Duran
2B Jonathan Aranda
3B Isaac Paredes
C Alejandro Kirk
RFAlek Thomas
1B Joey Meneses
SS Marcelo Meyer
DH Tirso Ornelas
—-
Luis Urias, Rowdy Tellez, Alejo Lopez, Austin Barnes
There’s a lot of intrigue with this team
#MLB
LF Randy Arozarena
CF Jarren Duran
2B Jonathan Aranda
3B Isaac Paredes
C Alejandro Kirk
RFAlek Thomas
1B Joey Meneses
SS Marcelo Meyer
DH Tirso Ornelas
—-
Luis Urias, Rowdy Tellez, Alejo Lopez, Austin Barnes
There’s a lot of intrigue with this team
#MLB
December 20, 2025 at 12:38 AM
How much of an offensive upgrade would Aranda at 2B be over B Lowe?
Aranda = .316/.393/.489 with 146 wRC+, 2.5 fWAR
B Lowe = .256/.307/.477 with 114 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR
A very decent upgrade if he can repeat his '25 pace
#Rays #RaysUp
Aranda = .316/.393/.489 with 146 wRC+, 2.5 fWAR
B Lowe = .256/.307/.477 with 114 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR
A very decent upgrade if he can repeat his '25 pace
#Rays #RaysUp
#Rays players-prospects with 2B playing time (all levels):
Jonathan Aranda 2747.1 innings
Raynal Delgado 2599.1 innings
Richie Palacios 1390.2 innings
Taylor Walls 723 innings
Logan Davidson 499 innings
Lots of competition for playing time at 2B without Brandon Lowe
Jonathan Aranda 2747.1 innings
Raynal Delgado 2599.1 innings
Richie Palacios 1390.2 innings
Taylor Walls 723 innings
Logan Davidson 499 innings
Lots of competition for playing time at 2B without Brandon Lowe
December 19, 2025 at 10:32 PM
#Rays players-prospects with 2B playing time (all levels):
Jonathan Aranda 2747.1 innings
Raynal Delgado 2599.1 innings
Richie Palacios 1390.2 innings
Taylor Walls 723 innings
Logan Davidson 499 innings
Lots of competition for playing time at 2B without Brandon Lowe
Jonathan Aranda 2747.1 innings
Raynal Delgado 2599.1 innings
Richie Palacios 1390.2 innings
Taylor Walls 723 innings
Logan Davidson 499 innings
Lots of competition for playing time at 2B without Brandon Lowe
December 19, 2025 at 10:28 PM
#Rays players-prospects with 2B playing time (all levels):
Jonathan Aranda 2747.1 innings
Raynal Delgado 2599.1 innings
Richie Palacios 1390.2 innings
Taylor Walls 723 innings
Logan Davidson 499 innings
Lots of competition for playing time at 2B without Brandon Lowe
Jonathan Aranda 2747.1 innings
Raynal Delgado 2599.1 innings
Richie Palacios 1390.2 innings
Taylor Walls 723 innings
Logan Davidson 499 innings
Lots of competition for playing time at 2B without Brandon Lowe
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
