The Rays have made some exciting moves, agreeing to minor league deals with Edward Olivares and Blake Sabol. These deals bring in some intriguing players with potential. Olivares, a right-handed outfielder, returns to the states after a year in Japan, where he played for the Orix Buffaloes. Despite his experience, he struggled in the NPB, batting just .182 without a home run in 11 games. However, he has a solid track record in the MLB, with a .254/.306/.407 batting average in nearly 1000 plate appearances. Olivares possesses above-average speed and a plus arm, making him a versatile player. Sabol, a left-handed hitter, is also joining the Rays. He had a successful rookie season with the Giants, hitting 13 home runs and batting .235/.301/.394. However, his defensive skills have been a concern, and he has primarily played in the minors since then. The Rays already have a strong catching duo in Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes, and Dominic Keegan is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster. Sabol's addition provides some much-needed experience and depth at the position. Additionally, the Rays have signed right-hander Brian Van Belle to a two-year minor league contract. Van Belle, who underwent elbow surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season, will get a chance to impress in Spring Training '27. These moves showcase the Rays' strategic approach to building a strong team, and fans are eager to see how these players perform in the upcoming season.
