Rays Reportedly Ink Derek Norris, Announce Rotation

As first reported by Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports (Twitter), it appears that the Tampa Bay Rays are close to signing catcher Derek Norris.

Mark Topkin (Twitter) of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Norris will earn a base salary of $1.2MM with an opportunity for up to $800K in incentives.

Although it’s only a one-year deal, the Rays could control Norris for 2018 if they decide to offer him arbitration. Also, according to Brown, Norris chose the Rays Norris picked Tampa Bay over other teams because he expects to receive more playing time.

Last season with the Padres he hit just .186/.255/.328 with 14 homers in 458 plate appearances. He was much better the three seasons (two with San Diego and one with Oakland) prior posting a .256/.333/.405.

Prior to the winter meetings the San Diego Padres shipped him to the Washington Nationals for minor league pitcher Pedro Avila. In early January the Nationals and Norris avoided arbitration by agreeing to a 1-year $4.2MM salary.

Late in February it was announced that the Nationals had agreed to terms with catcher Matt Wieters. With Wieters and Jose Lobaton as in-house catching options Washington tried to swing a trade of Norris but found no takers. On March 15th Norris was released and the Nationals only owed him a pro-rated portion, approximately $688K, of his $4.2MM salary (arbitration numbers are not guaranteed prior to opening day).

Rays Projected Roster:

Once it’s made official, the Rays will have to make room for Norris on their 40-man roster. He will become the fourth player expected to make the Rays opening day roster who will need to be added. The others include reliever Tommy Hunter, catcher Jesus Sucre, and first baseman Rickie Weeks.

The players in most jeopardy of being removed from the 40-man roster are Curt Casali and Ryan Garton.

Additionally, Kevin Gadea and Wilson Ramos could both land on the 60-day disabled list. Matt Duffy, who has been slowed to heal from off-season heel surgery, could also find his way onto the 60-day disabled list if nothing else to get him a full spring training.

Other moves that could be made include trading Nick Franklin, Erasmo Ramirez, or one of the young pitchers (Jacob Faria, Taylor Guerrieri).

It’s also unknown whether or not Shawn Tolleson has a guaranteed MLB deal. The Rays have not been too pleased with his health or his work on the mound this spring. If his contract is not guaranteed, it would not be surprising to see them part ways.

Also, the Rays are just now getting a look at Jumbo Diaz. Between now and the final roster decision they may feel he doesn’t present the best option for their ‘pen and designate him for assignment.

Projected Opening Day Roster:

10-day disabled list: Brad Boxberger, Matt Duffy

60-day disabled list: Nathan Eovaldi, Wilson Ramos, Kevin Gadea

Starting Rotation (5): Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, Alex Cobb, Blake Snell, Matt Andriese

Bullpen: (7): Alex Colome, Xavier Cedeno, Danny Farquhar, Tommy Hunter, Jumbo Diaz, Shawn Tolleson, Erasmo Ramirez

Catcher (2): Jesus Sucre, Derek Norris

Infield (6): Logan Morrison, Brad Miller, Tim Beckham, Evan Longoria, Nick Franklin, Rickie Weeks

Outfield (5): Corey Dickerson, Kevin Kiermaier, Steven Souza Jr., Colby Rasmus*

*If Rasmus is unable to open the season with the team Mallex Smith will take his spot.

Rays Rotation Set:

Chalk this up in the not surprising category. Chris Archer gets the opening day nod April 2nd against the New York Yankees. He’ll be followed by Jake Odrorizzi and Alex Cobb. The Rays will then turn the ball over to Blake Snell and Matt Andriese. With a pair of early season off days the Rays chose not to skip their fifth starter.

Cobb will also face the Yankees in their home opener on April 10th.