Francisco Mejia in Talks for Return to Rays: Latest MLB News and Updates

The Future of Catching in Tampa Bay: Francisco Mejia’s Potential Return to the Rays

The recent release of Francisco Mejia by the Angels has sparked interest in a potential reunion with the Tampa Bay Rays. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Mejia has already had “initial talks” with the Rays about a return to Tampa. Mejia, who spent the last three seasons as part of the Rays’ catching mix, could provide valuable depth at the position.

While Mejia’s performance has been inconsistent, with a career batting line of .239/.284/.394, his familiarity with the Rays’ organization could make him a logical choice for a reunion. With Pinto and Alex Jackson currently slated to be Tampa’s preferred catching combo for the 2024 season, adding Mejia to the mix could provide the team with additional options and flexibility.

Exploring Other American League News

• Yankees’ Interest in Cody Bellinger: The Yankees were reportedly linked to Cody Bellinger’s market early in the offseason. Despite the acquisition of Juan Soto, the Yankees had shown interest in Bellinger in previous seasons. However, Bellinger ultimately re-signed with the Cubs, closing the door on a potential move to New York.
• Evan Carter’s Injury Scare: Evan Carter of the Rangers recently avoided a major injury scare when x-rays came back negative on his left forearm. Carter, a favorite for AL Rookie of the Year honors, is expected to be day-to-day with some soreness after being hit during a Cactus League game.
• Twins’ First Base Platoon: The Twins have created a unique platoon at first base with Carlos Santana and Alex Kirilloff. Manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the flexibility of the arrangement, with Santana’s defensive prowess likely earning him the majority of playing time at first base.

As the 2024 season approaches, these storylines and developments in the American League will continue to shape the landscape of Major League Baseball. The potential return of Francisco Mejia to the Rays could provide an intriguing subplot to watch as the season unfolds.