3 Players Who Definitely Won't Be on the Rays' Roster Next Season

Despite their best efforts against a vastly superior opponent, the Tampa Bay Rays fell in five games to the Houston Astros in the 2019 ALDS in five games. Erik Neander has a reputation as one of the most tinkering GMs in all of baseball, so despite their recent success on a budget, these three players could find themselves playing elsewhere in 2019.

3. INF Eric Sogard

Tampa Bay Rays v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim / John McCoy/Getty Images

Acquired at the trade deadline from the Toronto Blue Jays, Eric Sogard didn't exactly pick up where he left off when he arrived in Tampa Bay. The Rays infielder batted just .266 with a .731 OPS in 37 games compared to .300 with an .840 OPS in 73 games with the Jays. He'll be a free agent after this season and with Brandon Lowe back from injury, there's no longer any room for the veteran.

2. OF Avisail Garcia

Wild Card Round - Tampa Bay Rays v Oakland Athletics / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Garcia was a surprise signing from the analytically-driven Rays considering he isn't exactly an on-base guy. But he managed to bring some veteran moxie into a young clubhouse and add some pop in the middle of the order, hitting .282 with 20 home runs and posting an OPS+ of 111. Garcia was only here on a one-year deal, so despite the power he provided, the notoriously thrifty Rays will likely try to replace him via a cheaper alternative in free agency.

1. C Travis d'Arnaud

Baltimore Orioles v Toronto Blue Jays / Mark Blinch/Getty Images

The Rays cashed in on a lottery ticket when they added d'Arnaud to the mix, as he instantly became the preferred catching option over former Seattle Mariner Mike Zunino. d'Arnaud hit .251 with 16 home runs this season, catching most of their playoff games along the way. A reunion in St. Petersburg is highly unlikely, however, as d'Arnaud might have priced himself out of the Rays' range. Other teams will see his OPS+ of 98 and .745 OPS as a viable backup option worth paying for.