In this festive Locked On Rays episode, we break down the Rays taking a chance on former White Sox/Orioles designated hitter Eloy Jiménez with a prove-it deal. We break down his $2 million contract with incentives (if he makes the team) and discuss his power-hitting potential, injury history, and what he could bring to the lineup in 2025. Can he follow in the footsteps of past successful Rays bounce-back stories? Then, we get into our Rays holiday wish lists. (Hint: We’re asking Santa for more offensive help in 2025, plus shovels in the ground for a new Rays stadium in St. Petersburg.)

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Join us for an action-packed episode as the Locked On Rays crews teams up with Locked On A’s host Booney! We dive deep into the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays, covering:

Remembering Rickey Henderson: Reflecting on the life and legacy of one of baseball’s all-time greats, from his Hall of Fame career to his incredible records in stolen bases and runs scored.

Why A’s Fans are Excited About Jeffrey Springs: Breaking down what Springs brings to the team and why his acquisition has Athletics fans buzzing with hope.

Joe Boyle’s Big League Profile: A closer look at Boyle’s journey to the majors and what Rays fans can expect from him in 202.

Oakland’s Relocation Drama: What’s the latest on the A’s move to Las Vegas? Will Oakland ever see another MLB team?

A’s Payroll Woes: Exploring the implications of the Athletics' minimal payroll spending, and how it’s gotten them in hot water with the MLB Players Association.

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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)

On this episode of Locked On Rays, we dive into the high-stakes drama surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays' future home. With St. Petersburg council members approved their share of financing earlier this month alongside Pinellas County Commission’s approval from Tuesday (5-2 bonds vote passed). The commission's decision on the stadium bonds has now put all the pressure on the Tampa Bay Rays.

We’ll break the following with WTSP’s Sports Director Evan Closky:

⚾ Why these approvals still might not secure the Rays' commitment.

⚾ The key players in the commission, including Chris Scherer, Dave Eggers, and Chris Latvala, and their pivotal roles in this decision

⚾ Could a competing pitch for a waterfront stadium in Tampa’s Ybor Harbor, made in July 2023, resurface as a viable alternative?

With rising construction costs, looming deadlines, and questions about public funding, the Rays are under pressure to secure a solution. Are they leaning toward Ybor (or elsewhere) or committed to keeping baseball in St. Pete? Tune in as we analyze the political, financial, and community implications of this decision and what it means for the Rays’ future in Tampa Bay.

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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)

Left-handed pitchers Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez have been traded to the Athletics as the Rays get RHP Joe Boyle, 1B/3B/OF Will Simpson, RHP Jacob Watters, and the team’s Comp-A draft pick, which falls between the first and second round of the coming draft.

-Springs shined in 2022, posting a breakout season with a 2.46 ERA across 33 appearances (25 starts)-Springs’ 2023 campaign was cut short due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery after just three stellar starts-He returned late in 2024 with seven starts that were enough to show he’s on track to form.

Joe Boyle: 6’7’’, hard throwing righty, exceeded rookie limits in 2024. Great stuff but almost no control.

-had the worst BB% among qualified pitchers at 17.7% last year, and consequently had the lowest Chase rate at 19.3%.

-He tops out at 100 mph on his fastball, and has a slider and curveball that also grade in the 60’s on the 20-to-80 scale.-Will Simpson: corner infielder but addressed as OF in Passan’s tweet. Made AA debut for a bit and had a 155 wRC+ and 2 HR over 47 PA to end the year.The Rays have the:14th, 34th, 36th & 51st pick of the 2025 MLB Draft. Rays have roughly five of the top 70 picks.

Rays could use another OF, and an offensive-minded SS w/ the big-league club…Another pitcher for Rays on the move? (Trade prospect depth for MLB-proven talent, and add on some salary?)

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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)

On this episode of Locked On Rays, we dive into the high-stakes drama surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays' future home. With St. Petersburg council members approving their share of financing earlier this month, all eyes are now on the Pinellas County Commission. Scheduled to vote on Tuesday, the commission's decision on the stadium bonds could make or break the proposed St. Pete ballpark deal — but there’s no guarantee of a “yes.”

We’ll break down:

⚾ What a potential “yes” vote means—and why it still might not secure the Rays' commitment.

⚾ The key players in the commission, including Chris Scherer, Dave Eggers, and Chris Latvala, and their pivotal roles in this decision.

⚾ How a competing pitch for a waterfront stadium in Tampa’s Ybor Harbor, made in July 2023, could resurface as a viable alternative.

With rising construction costs, looming deadlines, and questions about public funding, the Rays are under pressure to secure a solution. Are they leaning toward Ybor (or elsewhere) or committed to keeping baseball in St. Pete? Tune in as we analyze the political, financial, and community implications of this decision and what it means for the Rays’ future in Tampa Bay.

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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)

The trial for Wander Franco has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Reports are that the delay in the trial, stemming from his relationship with a minor, was the result of more than 30 witnesses not being present. Franco, 23, is facing charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor and human trafficking, with a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. The charges stem from a relationship with a then-14-year-old girl that started in December 2022, when Franco was 21.

The delay was requested by the prosecutors as several key witnesses were not present, and there was some question if they were properly summoned. ESPN reported that only three of the 36 who are scheduled to testify were in the courtroom on Thursday; the Associated Press said it was three of 31.

“Wander’s lawyer: “There is no case against Wander, for as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now.” Jaquez told other reporters he expects an acquittal. One of the prosecutors, meanwhile, said they felt they still had a strong case.Why would so many witnesses no-show? Let us know in the comments!

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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)

Mailbag Episode!

In this episode of the Locked on Rays podcast, we dive into a trio of mailbag questions and tackle the big topics on every Rays fan's mind. With Juan Soto’s blockbuster deal shaking up MLB, we discuss how it might impact future contracts for stars like Vlad Guerrero Jr. Then, we explore a tantalizing scenario: Could the Rays bring Tampa native Kyle Tucker home for a season? What kind of trade package would it take, and could it include catching prospect Walker Janek?

We also take a step back to address some of the recent challenges facing Rays fans —from hurricane damage to concerns about the stadium deal and Tricia Whitaker's departure. Amidst the storm, we share reasons to stay hopeful and passionate about Rays 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)

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has been making the rounds in Florida. First, Manfred met with the Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, then he followed up that meeting with St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and the Pinellas County Commission. Whatever he said must have given good outlook for the Rays as Matt Silverman was quoted with optimism regarding the Bonds vote that said commission will vote on December 17th.

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FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. As playoffs wind down, the sports stop sporting like we want them to. But this summer, FanDuel is hooking up ALL CUSTOMERS with a boost or a bonus, DAILY! That’s right, there’s something for everyone, every day, all summer long! Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON and add a big win to your summer bucket list!

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)