Jacob Waguespack

Waguespack was limited to less than 35 innings of work in 2024 due to shoulder troubles, yet the Rays saw enough in him to offer him a new contract with a one year option for 2026. He struck out 46 batters in 33.1 innings of work last season on the heels of striking out 176 in 141 innings as a reliever in the Japan League from 2022 to 2023. The sample size is small, but the fact Waguespack had whiff rates of at least 30 percent on all four of his offerings last season is something to watch, because the Rays have a track record with these types of relievers, and there is a potential Jason Adam path to be followed here if Waguespack can remain healthy. The club made some tweaks to his delivery to help him get more extension and allow his fastball to play up more than it did with Toronto. There are several relievers out of options on the depth chart whom Waguespack will need to compete with in the spring to win a role in the pen.