Tampa Bay Rays Sign Two New Players Via Free Agency

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-handed pitcher Connor Seabold and catcher Tres Barrera to minor league contracts, both with invitations to spring training. 

Seabold, 29, spent last season with the Samsung Lions in Korea, where he posted a strong 3.43 ERA with 158 strikeouts and 40 walks over 160 innings. 

Originally a Philadelphia Phillies draft pick, he was later traded to Boston in the Nick Pivetta deal but struggled in limited MLB action, recording an 8.12 ERA over 108.2 innings. 

With the Rays’ reputation for developing pitchers, Seabold will have a chance to earn a depth role, competing as a long reliever or starter at Triple-A Durham.

Connor Seabold was pretty good in Korea and especially I loved his changeup. Throw it more and find arrangement your arsenal. #rays pic.twitter.com/8zx9Ku4k1y

— Homin Lee (@Homein22) February 7, 2025

Barrera, 30, provides experienced catching depth after spending parts of four big-league seasons with the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals. 

Last year, he played in the Mexican League, hitting .258/.333/.421 in 50 games. Bringing better defense than his bat, he will serve as an insurance option behind Danny Jansen and Ben Rortvedt, likely starting the season in Durham.

Former Nationals Catcher Tres Barrera has signed an MiLB deal with Tampa Bay

— Brandon Little (@branlittle58) February 8, 2025

With Tampa Bay’s track record of maximizing under-the-radar talent, they could find themselves contributing at the major league level before long.

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images