How Tampa Bay Rays’ Acquisitions Since End Of 2025 Are Faring In 2026

BusinessSportsMoneyHow Tampa Bay Rays’ Acquisitions Since End Of 2025 Are Faring In 2026ByTom Layberger,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about college football and sports in the Tampa Bay region.Follow AuthorMay 27, 2026, 10:57pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - Nick Martinez of the Tampa Bay Rays during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 17, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Tampa Bay Rays have built the American League’s best record thanks in very large part to contributions from several players who joined the organization since the end of the 2025 season. Nine such players, including three who came on board since the start of this season, were with the club for Wednesday’s series finale in Baltimore. Here is a look at some of the players acquired by the Rays since the end of last season and how they have fared through the aforementioned series at Camden Yards, which resulted in Kevin Cash’s team being swept for the first time in 2026. Jake Fraley | Free AgentThe 31-year-old Fraley, who is four games shy of 500 in his career, was signed as a free agent in November. He spent the bulk of last season with the Reds before being claimed off waivers in August by the Braves, for whom he played only nine games due to injury. Speaking of injury, the lefty hitting Fraley was platooning in right field before landing on the injured list (hernia) in mid-May. He was hitting .232 in 28 games when shelved. Nick Martinez | Free AgentThe Rays’ highest-paid player turns 36 in August, spent four years in Japan (2018-21) and entered this season 34-47 with a 4.59 ERA as a starting pitcher. It did not seem like a resume to rouse the fan base. Yet, all Martinez has done is post impressive credentials (4-1, 1.51 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) through his first...