Three potential offseason targets for the Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay started the year on such a hot streak it was unclear if any team would catch them. Injuries took their toll on the pitching staff but it didn't slow the Rays down. Now, with a new stadium on the horizon, the long low-spending Rays will still be looking for cost-effective ways to improve this offseason. 

Matt Moore, LHP, Miami Marlins

Left-handed relievers are a highly sought-after commodity on the free agent market and there's reason to think Moore will attract some demand on the open market this offseason. The veteran was traded at the July deadline and then changed teams twice via waivers in the weeks to follow. This winter he'll likely be able to punch his own ticket and a contending Rays team will look appealing. 

Moore moved to the bullpen full-time with the 2022 season after a career as a starter and he's been dominant. Collectively with the Rangers, Angels, Guardians, and Marlins he's posted a 2.24 ERA and 1.163 WHIP across 111 appearances in that stretch. He would be a nice weapon in Kevin Cash's bullpen alongside Pete Fairbanks at the back of the bullpen. 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, IF/OF, New York Yankees

Versatility has value and the Rays, perhaps more than any organization, know this as Ben Zobrist helped start the trend in Tampa Bay years ago. Numerous players on the roster already can handle multiple positions but there's benefit in adding a veteran like IKF to the bench. The club's bench is inexperienced. 

Kiner-Falefa spent time at six positions defensively for the Yankees this season, plus made four emergency appearances on the mound. He batted .242/.307/.343 with 13 stolen bases, useful production but likely not enough to earn him a starting role on the open market this offseason. 

Alek Manoah, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Admittedly, this one may be a stretch. There's little indication that the Blue Jays are looking to move Manoah after the disappointing season he endured in 2023 -- both performance-wise on the field and personally as he reportedly spent time away from the club late in the season dealing with both injury and personal matters. There's every reason to think the former Cy Young Award finalist will be able to bounce back next spring. 

Manoah turns 26 in January and the Florida native would make a strong addition to the Rays pitching staff. The right-hander holds a 3.32 ERA over his three-year career, even including this past season's struggles. The Rays rotation is a strength already but their depth next season will already be tested as players recover from injuries.