MLB Teams Navigate Free Agency Losing Key Veterans

As Major League Baseball's offseason begins, several teams are making moves to reshape their rosters. The Tampa Bay Rays initiated the offseason trading veteran outfielder Ryan Vilade to bolster their outfield depth, viewing him as a potential opening day roster candidate despite his limited major league success. The Toronto Blue Jays face free agency losses of key players including pitcher Chris Bassitt and infielder Michael Stefanic, the latter having a brief stint in the majors this past season; the Blue Jays may seek to retain Bassitt due to his reliable pitching. The Atlanta Braves also saw pitcher Connor Seabold elect free agency following a difficult season marked by a high ERA and limited appearances. Meanwhile, the Rays lost infielder Coco Montes to free agency after a short major league tenure, highlighting the team's ongoing efforts to rebuild its infield depth amid potential trades. These moves reflect broader challenges teams face in balancing roster talent and depth as they prepare for the next season.