Tampa Bay Rays Open to Increased Payroll in 2024

Could the Tampa Bay Rays really run a payroll of $120 million in 2024?

After a 99-win season that fizzled out in the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly open to running a much higher payroll in 2024.

Per an article from MLBTradeRumors that was centered on the Rays' end-of-season press conference.

“We have the ability to do that,” president of baseball operations Erik Neander says. “And that’s a nice starting point to have — 99 wins with contributions from as many players as we did this year, players that established themselves, young players getting their first opportunities. It puts us at a really strong position.”

No one knows if what Neander is saying is true - or it its just lip-service to the fans, or if it's just as a way to not seem vulnerable to other teams, but the offseason will be very interesting.

Given arbitration and salary raises for players on the roster, the Rays payroll could approach $120 million next year. Given that the Rays have never run a payroll that high, there has been speculation that they could trade a player like Tyler Glasnow, who is set to make $25 million next season and would certainly have value on the trade market.

“If the timing’s right — right player, right team, right time — there’s always that ability to push,” Neander says. “It’s probably going to come from somewhere at a later date. But there is a fluidity to our payrolls and things, there’s a freedom to it, that allow us to be more competitive if the right circumstances suggest we should make that run.”

The Rays finished second in the American League East this season behind the Baltimore Orioles.

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