The MLB Off-Season is officially underway with free agency kicking off after tonight’s 5 pm deadline for team’s to talk exclusively with their free agents. The Rays had 9 players contracts expire following the conclusion of the World Series, with Logan Morrison, Alex Cobb, Lucas Duda, Tommy Hunter, Steve Cishek, Sergio Romo, and Colby Rasmus, Peter Bourjos, and Trevor Plouffe all becoming free agents.
The Tampa Bay Rays have already been busy, as they will extend a qualifying offer to Alex Cobb.
Meanwhile, the overhaul of the team’s training and coaching staff continues as longtime head trainer, Ron Porterfield, is leaving the team to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bill Chastian preview’s the Rays off-season and highlights the team’s needs that need to be addressed over the next few months
Over at the SB Nation MLB site, they highlight all of the important dates to remember this off-season
How do Qualifying Offers work?
Matt Wieters, who was among the worst players in baseball last year, exercised his player option
Alex Cora will be introduced as the new manager of the Boston Red Sox later today
Some free agency predictions from Jim Duquette, among them is Carlos Santana heading to the Rays
MLB award season kicks off tomorrow with the announcement of the Gold Glove winners