Brooks Raley

Raley has had a winding career path, as he struggled mightily in an initial stint in the majors, which came all the way back in 2012. In an increasingly familiar story, he signed in the KBO and resurrected his career across five seasons with the Lotte Giants. Now entering his third season of his second stint in the majors, Raley joined the Rays in the offseason and figures to serve a meaningful role in the team's bullpen. That possibility became even greater after Nick Anderson and Pete Fairbanks - both high-leverage arms - were placed on the 60-day injured list on Opening Day. Originally a starter, Raley's stuff has played up out of the bullpen since his return to the league, as he's posted a strikeout rate above 30 percent - and that mark spiked to 37 percent in 2021 - in each of the last three seasons. Home runs are the primary remaining blemish on his profile, as he's surrendered nine home runs in only 69 innings of work (1.2 HR/9) across his last two seasons. If he can keep the ball in the yard effectively, he could factor into the saves picture in Tampa Bay, though he'd likely fall behind at least Andrew Kittredge in terms of securing a high-leverage role. Read Past Outlooks