Tampa Bay Rays Sign Jake Fraley to Urgent $3 Million Deal
URGENT UPDATE: The Tampa Bay Rays have officially signed outfielder Jake Fraley to a $3 million, one-year contract, just days after releasing him. The deal, confirmed today in St. Petersburg, Florida, includes the potential for Fraley to earn an additional $400,000 in roster bonuses based on his active days on the major league roster.
Fraley, 30, had a challenging season last year, batting a combined .241 with six home runs and 23 RBIs over 217 plate appearances for the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves. He participated in 67 games for the Reds and nine games for the Braves after being claimed off waivers on August 19, 2023.
The Rays initially claimed Fraley off waivers on November 6, 2023, but designated him for assignment on November 18, allowing him to become a free agent when they declined to tender him a contract for 2026, which would have made him eligible for salary arbitration.
Throughout his seven-year major league career, Fraley has established himself as a reliable player, maintaining a career batting average of .248 with 47 home runs and a .735 OPS. The left-handed hitter was originally selected in the second round of the 2016 amateur draft by the Rays out of LSU before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in November 2018.
This new contract marks a pivotal moment for Fraley, as he looks to revitalize his career with the Rays after a tumultuous few months. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he contributes to the team in the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for further updates on Fraley’s performance and the Rays’ off-season moves as the baseball world continues to react to this significant signing.
