MLB insider Jon Heyman revealed that the Tampa Bay Rays, known as a low-budget team, offered a contract to star free agent slugger Freddie Freeman before the lockout.
The terms of the contract they offered to the former MVP award winner are unknown, but it goes to show that any MLB team is able to sign competitive free agents, and that there should not be any excuses in trying to compete.
Recently, we have seen just how much revenue an MLB team can generate over a single season, so all 30 franchises are in a position to spend money to pursue a championship.
The Rays, prior to the lockout, extended star shortstop Wander Franco to an 11-year, $182 million pact, signed Corey Kluber to a one-year deal worth $8 million that could potentially go up to $13 million, and decided to offer a contract to Freeman.
The Rays reportedly offered Freddie Freeman a deal before the lockout, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/wizuGebVVU
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 7, 2022
The Rays Are The Perfect Example That All MLB Teams Can Pursue Stars
While four owners fight because they don’t want the competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold to go beyond $220 million, other low-budget teams like the Rays are making an effort to be a perennial winner.
The Rays were 26th out of 30 MLB teams last season with a $70,836,327 payroll, yet they realize their time to spend and enhance their chances to win is now.
Other franchises haven’t even pursued a big-name free agent in years.
Do you want to know which teams are actually trying and which ones don’t care about winning?
Look at their recent payrolls and whether they have been on the race to sign a high-profile free agent.
Players are fighting with MLB over non-competitive, tanking teams.
The Rays are showing the whole baseball universe that every MLB team, with no exception, has what it takes to sign a big name.
NEXT: A Surprise MLB Team Made Freddie Freeman An Offer