Rays Prepare for 2025 Catching Changes

The Tampa Bay Rays showcased standout performances from their prospects in the 2024 season, particularly 1B Tre' Morgan and OF Chandler Simpson, with Morgan earning the Minor League Player of the Year title after hitting .324 with 68 RBIs, while Simpson stole an impressive 104 bases. The Yankees' rookie catcher Austin Wells has struggled recently, hitting just .083 in his last 15 games and affecting the team's performance with runners in scoring position during the playoffs, which has also impacted Aaron Judge's effectiveness. Will Smith of the Dodgers has underperformed in the postseason compared to his regular season success, struggling to contribute against the Mets, which the team needs to address to advance further. Meanwhile, the Phillies are facing roster challenges after their NLDS exit, particularly concerning the aging catcher J.T. Realmuto, who has shown declining performance and requires a reliable backup to maintain his effectiveness. Lastly, the Rays are in offseason mode, focusing on improving their catching position after a disappointing season OPS of .562, indicating a likely pursuit of external options to bolster this area.