The Tampa Bay Rays have been relatively quiet, as usual, this offseason.
Some teams make big splashes in the offseason, signing expensive high-profile players, while others make ripples. The big splashes garner a lot of attention, are seen and heard from further distances and are projected to make a significant impact immediately.
Small ripples make less noise and attract a smaller national audience. Instead of a single large splash, multiple ripples need to be put together with the intent of building a sustained winner.
For small-market teams on a tight budget, like the Rays, ripples are the way business is conducted.
Grades for the offseason moves are based on the value received for the costs of the transaction. Average players who add depth who are signed to an average contract would be a good move compared to subpar performers signed to a long-term deal.
Here are the grades for the Rays’ offseason moves so far.
All statistics and salary numbers courtesy of baseball-reference.com unless otherwise noted.