MLB Rumors: Tampa Bay Rays Emerge As Landing Spot For Ex-Giants RHP

“The Rays didn’t match that description in 2025, but they’re going back to Tropicana Field in 2026. It’s worth noting because the club was reportedly eyeing Littell for a reunion in December.”

Littell was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants in May 2023. The Tampa Bay Rays unlocked the pitcher’s potential after converting him into a full-time starter the following year. They moved him to the Reds at the trade deadline last year. Littell notched 6.0 bWAR from his 61 starts in the past two years with 343.0 innings and a 3.61 ERA.

MLB Insider Gives C+ Rating To Tampa Bay Rays’ Offseason

Jim Bowden of The Athletic gave a “C+” rating to the offseason transactions from the Rays this winter. He said their front office focused more on adding depth in their minor league system rather than improving their major league roster. The Tampa Bay Rays’ ownership wants to invest in building a new stadium rather than rebuilding the team into a contender.

“The Rays made more trades than almost any other team, but it seemed like they acquired more quantity than quality. Their biggest haul came from the Baz trade, but it will be years before we can assess the return in what amounted to a five-for-one swap,” Bowden wrote.

“The Rays’ new ownership group made it clear, through the club’s actions, that they didn’t want to add significant salary to the payroll this offseason, instead emphasizing their efforts to get a new stadium.”

Outfielders Jake Fraley and Cedric Mullins, along with left-handed pitcher Steven Matz, are the notable free agent additions to the Tampa Bay Rays roster thus far. Gavin Lux and Justin Henry-Molloy also joined the team via trade deals. Meanwhile, the ownership announced plans for a new ballpark with Hillsborough College at their 113-acre Mabry Campus in Tampa last month.