Tampa Bay Rays have made a late move ahead of their final exhibition outing, completing a trade deal with the Oakland Athletics in a bid to fine-tune their roster before Opening Day.
With just one preseason game remaining before their regular season opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Rays have acted swiftly to add depth through a minor league transaction.
Rays acquire Cooper Bowman in exchange deal
In an official announcement, the Rays confirmed the acquisition of minor league infielder Cooper Bowman from the Athletics. In return, Tampa Bay has sent minor league right-handed pitcher Gerlin Rosario the other way.
The deal may not grab headlines on the surface, but it reflects the franchise’s continued focus on building depth and exploring upside talent ahead of a long MLB season.
Bowman brings versatility and speed
Bowman arrives with a promising skill set developed in the minor leagues. In his most recent campaign, the infielder posted a .234 batting average while contributing across multiple categories. He registered seven home runs, 45 RBIs, and scored 42 runs, showcasing his offensive involvement.
Notably, his speed on the bases stands out, having stolen 22 bases during the season. That dynamic element could prove valuable for Tampa Bay Rays as they look to maintain their aggressive style of play.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Bowman continues to develop as a versatile infield option with potential for growth.
Strategic move before opening day
With Opening Day fast approaching, Tampa Bay’s decision to make this move highlights their proactive approach. Even minor adjustments at this stage can play a crucial role in shaping roster flexibility throughout the season.
Tampa Bay Rays will now turn their focus to their final exhibition game before shifting attention to their highly anticipated clash with the Cardinals.