Key Highlights
- I’m happy for him that he’ll have that opportunity with the Angels. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith that said, let’s look at the Rays 2026 outlook. Short-term impact of the tradeI’m excited about the path to playing time this provides for Jacob Melton.
- Jacob Melton (and subsequently the Rays OF production and offense as a whole) might be the biggest winner in this trade. I’ve already written about Melton, but a summary of what to expect from him is that he provides plus power, speed, and defense at all three OF positions with enough of a hit tool to make him an above average everyday player.
- Melton will have an even greater opportunity to win a roster spot during spring training. The Rays also acquired a one-year stopgap in Gavin Lux – possibly to buy some time before Jadher Areinamo could be ready to take over the everyday 2B role in 2027.
- Lux seems like a relatively safe player the further he gets from his ACL tear in 2023, but his profile may be a bit redundant as he is incredibly similar on both sides of the ball to Richie Palacios (who also has dealt with some knee-related injuries).
- But Lux has no options, so I expect him to be on the Opening Day roster with some kind of role that includes reps at second base.