RaysUp - 2025 Drew Rasmussen, Carson Williams, Xavier Isaac plus Tito & the Reds

Gratitude -  Thank you to Canadians, including Mat
Germain, for their contributions during hurricanes and wildfires
in Florida and California.



Excitement for upcoming 2025 Baseball Season


Spring Training dates: Pitchers and Catchers Report:
February 12, 2025.


Truck Day: February 3, 2025 (celebrated by teams like
the Boston Red Sox).


Collegiate Baseball Opening Days, Division I:
February 14, 2025, Division II: January 31, 2025.



Rays Prospects and Player Analysis



Junior Caminero: Graduated from prospect status in 2024,
no longer a rookie.


Carson Williams - best defensive prospect in minor
league baseball (MLB executives' poll). Willaims combines elite
defense and power but still developing his hitting.


Chandler Simpson - Stole 104 bases in 2024, known for
speed and strong hitting.


Xavier Isaac - Emerging as a power hitter, possibly a
future left fielder.



Rays' System Outlook


Prospects like Williams, Simpson, and Isaac could fill
critical positions

Pipeline of elite outfielders for the first time since the
late 2000s

Strategic trades opened opportunities for younger players to
rise



Drew Rasmussen Update


Signed a two-year extension with the Rays

Career ERA is consistently below 3.00, with a steady WHIP
(~1.04)

Limited innings pitched due to past injuries, including two
Tommy John surgeries.

Contract reflects his dual potential as a reliever or
starting pitcher, with incentives ranging from $8M to $20M in
2026



Team Strength and Roster Decisions


The Future of Brandon Lowe and Yandy Díaz

Developing infield and outfield talent reflects a strategy
for long-term success.

Expect a transformative 2025 season with young talent
stepping up



 Fixing the Trop is it worth it?


Ex-Rays – where are they now


Charlie Morton – Orioles replacing Corbin Burnes

Blake Snell  - Dodgers

Nathaniel Lowe traded to the Nationals

Amed Rosario to Nationals

Tommy Pham?



Cincinnati Reds  & the Tito Effect


Gavin Lux traded from Dodgers to the Reds

Tony Tito Francona now managing the Cincinnati Reds

Tito & Kevin Cash have always built strong connections
with their teams

Elly De La Cruz amazing talent may grow under Tito



 Waiting for another big trade for the Rays 


Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom
to the show. You can catch more of Mat on BlueSky
@matgermain.bsky.social


Mark can be found on BlueSky at @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
& and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.com


BaseballBiz is on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify


 Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward