RBLR Rays Roundtable #36 – A Simple Offseason Wishlist

This week, we kept it simple and asked our writers to share their thoughts on one thing they hope to see come to fruition this offseason.

Jacob Macauley (@raysfarmreport) : Bring back Houser

My offseason wish is simply to retain Adrian Houser – even if its unlikely. The progression he made vs LHHs really boosted his profile, and I think this team obviously needs some reliability and rotational depth heading into next year.

Jake Shutters (@JakeShutters) : Galvanize the outfield

I would say my biggest wish is to improve the lineup depth; I want to see a deeper, 2021-esque lineup where everyone was above average in the position they were put in. A lot of the lack of that recently could be attributed to injuries, but I think the outfield group in particular needs to be evaluated. That’s where you can do a lot of mixing and matching to deepen your lineup so there’s not a black hole at the back end of it.

Sandy (@SandyAndTheRays) : Clarity on our new home

My offseason wish is for more concrete updates on the Rays’ stadium situation. It’ll be nice to have the Trop back next season, but this past year brought constant whiplash—from mixed signals about the new stadium to the deal ultimately collapsing and renewed uncertainty over whether the team would even stay in Tampa Bay.

Now, with new ownership—notably a group that Stu Sternberg actually trusts to get a deal done and that appears committed to keeping the team in Tampa—new developments feel inevitable. At this point, fans and residents need more than promises; they need a clear plan. From a practical standpoint, there are also major implications for how people and land in Tampa will be affected. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus is under consideration as a potential site for the new ballpark. Wherever the team lands, the decision will reshape the community and define what Tampa Bay baseball looks like in the years ahead.

Zach Daab (@RealZachDaab) : An OF improvement

I’m keeping my eyes on Ramón Laureano. Had a very nice year offensively last year and would be inexpensive if his club option does not get picked up. He actually underperformed his expected numbers per Statcast, and could inject some power into an outfield that desperately needs it. His 24 HR’s in ‘25 were 5 off the Rays entire OF production this season. He’s not good defensively but we have guys that are and could pick up the slack. Could be the RH OF power we desperately needed this season.

Carter Brantley (@CTBrantley12) : A privately funded stadium

There have been countless independent studies conducted by reputable economic experts either at universities (University of Chicago, Kennesaw State, University of Michigan, among others) or private, true 3rd party organizations (not the “wink, wink” groups that sports teams hire to jive numbers to make it seem like these plans are financially viable).

Every plan has had the same “But this time it’s different we swear” messaging and none of them deliver on that promise. There have been recent stadiums that have been approved to be built, funded entirely by the team building the stadium; the Denver Broncos and MLS’ NYCFC and Chicago Fire FC (although even NYFC’s Etihad Park plan has so many caveats within the deal that it might as well be publicly funded).

If the new Rays ownership group cannot afford to fund a new stadium, then they shouldn’t have bought the team in the first place, or should just stay in Tropicana Field. The general public’s hard earned tax dollars should go to more useful things than into the pockets of billionaire sports owners so they can continue to charge that same general public exorbitant ticket, merchandise, and concession prices to help fund their multiple vacation homes.

The RBLR Rays Roundtable is a weekly collection of analysis, insight, and perspectives from a cast of writers assembled because of their unique backgrounds and experience. Check this space weekly for new updates and features covering the Tampa Bay Rays, the Rays’ minor league prospects, and more!