In this episode of the Locked On Rays , we’re again joined by WTSP Channel 10 Sports Director Evan Closky to break down some of the best quotes and comments from Erik Neander and Kevin Cash during the Rays 2025 Spring Training opening press conference.

We then dive into one of the biggest questions of the spring: Is the Rays rotation battle the most important storyline? Plus, another edition of “Closky on the Clock, where Evan tackles key topics in rapid-fire, including the stadium negotiations between Rays owner Stu Sternber, Pinellas County, and the City of St. Petersburg — what happens by March 31st? And who will have the higher WAR in 2025: Eloy Jiménez or Danny Jansen? Tune in for all that and more!

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The Tampa Bay Rays’ offseason is in the books, so it’s time to hand out some grades!

WTSP Channel 10 Sports Director Evan Closky joins the show to break down all the team’s moves this offseason, including the added impact of Ha-Seong Kim and Danny Jansen. Did Closky think the Rays did enough to stay competitive in 2025?

The conversation then transitions into the Rays questionable outfield composition – and why this may be one of the Rays weaker defensive seasons.

Finally, it’s time for “Closky on the Clock” (with a brand-new catchy intro!), where we get Evan’s rapid-fire takes on key Rays storylines.

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With six quality arms vying for just five rotation spots, the Tampa Bay Rays have a tough decision to make. Shane McClanahan and Drew Rasmussen return from elbow surgeries, joining Shane Baz, Taj Bradley, Zack Littell, and Ryan Pepiot in what promises to be an intense competition.

GM Erik Neander has made it clear the team doesn’t plan on using a six-man rotation—so who’s the odd man out? Could a bullpen role be in the cards for someone like Rasmussen?

We break down each pitcher’s case for a rotation spot, the risk of injuries during spring training, and what the Rays prioritize in building their 2025 staff. Plus, we debate who will log the most innings, post the lowest ERA, and which arm is most likely to be traded by season’s end. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the biggest storyline of Rays spring camp!

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If every Rays player hit free agency today, who would land the biggest contract? The longest deal? We break down the top pitcher and position player most likely to cash in. Plus, we play GM and put a price tag on some of the Rays' most intriguing free-agent hypotheticals—what would Shane McClanahan, Taj Bradley, Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and Junior Caminero command on the open market?

Also, spring training is officially here! We dive into key storylines, from early workouts and injury updates to what fans can expect at Charlotte Sports Park. Are distractions like stadium talk and ownership drama overshadowing the baseball?

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Former Tampa Bay Rays defensive wizard Kevin Kiermaier has landed a job as a special assistant with the Toronto Blue Jays where he’ll also provide outfield instruction to minor league and major league players. 

He approached the Rays for a similar role, but why did the local team not pull the trigger? Would he have ever chosen Toronto over Tampa Bay if given the option? And with the Rays lacking outfield depth in 2025, wouldn’t it have made sense for him to provide guidance to young players like Johnny DeLuca?

Plus, we dive into the Rays’ 2025 promotional schedule — what are the best giveaways out of the bunch? Did the team miss any must-have items? And how does this year's promo lineup compare to previous seasons? Tune in for a full breakdown!

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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Wonderful PistachiosLooking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more.

FanDuelRight now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

MLB.com and Baseball America have released their Top 100 prospects lists, and the Tampa Bay Rays are well represented. Carson Williams remains the headliner, but who else should fans be excited about?

We also dive into some of the top prospects invited to Rays big-league spring camp. What will they gain from this experience, and who has the best shot at making an impact in 2025?

Also, baseball trivia and Name That War on a Fun Friday ep!

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The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired Tampa native Alex Faedo in a trade from the Detroit Tigers. What does the former first-round pick bring to the team’s bullpen? Can he carve out a key role, or is he more of a depth piece? We dive into his potential impact and what Rays fans can expect from the right-hander.

Als in this episode of the Locked On Rays podcast, we break down the Rays’ 2025 Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA projections — are they too high, too low, or just right? With the AL East competitive again, we analyze whether the Rays are being underestimated or if the projection system is spot on.

What do you think Rays fans? Let us know int he comments!

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In this special crossover episode, the Locked On Rays crew teams up with Locked On Padres host Javier Reyes to provide insights on newly acquired Tampa Bay Rays infielder Ha-Seong Kim, who spent the past four seasons in a San Diego uniform.

Javier details why Kim was a fan-favorite for Padres fans, and why he’ll likely succeed in a Rays uniform in 2025 (and hopefully beyond). He also discusses some of Kim’s most momentous on-field and off-field moments.

Finally, we revisit some of the more notable moves between the Rays and Padres over the years, including the Blake Snell, Jason Adam, and Jake Cronenworth deals.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Ha-Seong Kim is officially the highest-paid player in Tampa Bay Rays history, but what does that mean for the team’s future? In this episode, we break down Kim’s all-around game—his underrated power, elite defense, and high-contact approach that makes him a unique weapon in the lineup.

With a Gold Glove to his name and a career WAR that proves his value, Kim’s addition could push the Rays back into serious playoff contention. But after shoulder surgery, how will he bounce back? And what does his arrival mean for Taylor Walls?

We also dive into the offseason free-agent market—was Kim a steal compared to other shortstops? And with projections ranging from $24 million to $100 million, did the Rays just make one of the smartest signings of the year?

All that and more, as we dissect the impact of Tampa Bay’s boldest move yet.

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City Administrator Rob Gerdes told the Tampa Bay Rays that St. Petersburg is under no obligation to repair Tropicana Field in time for Opening Day 2026. This comes after Rays president Matt Silverman wrote a letter to the city Dec. 30 saying the club has changed its position on repairs to the dome.

Junior Caminero played Winter League baseball with his hometown team Leones del Escogido. Caminero, 21, hit .346 (9-for-26) with a 1.086 OPS in the seven-game final. That, after batting .448 (26-for-58) with a 1.285 OPS in the 15-game round-robin semifinals.

He joined Escogido with nine games left in the regular season, hitting .424 (14-for-33) with a 1.003 OPS.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)