Part 8/9:
Lastly, the Tampa Bay Rays are ringing in the offseason with their own changes. Following a disastrous year for their former catcher Alex Jackson, who achieved historically low batting metrics, the Rays have moved to sign Danny Jansen. With a guaranteed $8.5 million deal, this signing seems designed to bolster the team's catching ability while providing a much-needed offensive upgrade.
Jansen previously showcased potential with the Toronto Blue Jays, and while his performance waned in the latter part of the 2023 season, he still holds the promise as a reliable catcher going forward. The combination of Jansen and teammate Ben Rortvedt presents the Rays with a strategic backup plan, aiming to find the right mix as they progress through the upcoming season.