Tampa Bay Rays shake up offseason strategy by declining Pete Fairbanks’ $11 million option, signaling a shift in focus to fortifying the starting rotation. Could a veteran like Merrill Kelly be the answer? Ulises and Kevin examine Kelly’s fit, his consistent innings, and why his pitching style could offer stability to Drew Rasmussen, Ryan Pepiot, and Shane Baz—while keeping the Rays competitive on a tight budget. Key discussion points include the state of the Rays bullpen, the reliability of young arms, and how recent roster moves offer financial flexibility to target experienced starters. The episode also explores the crowded reliever market’s impact on Fairbanks’ free agency outlook, potential suitors for his services, and why the Rays may benefit from reallocating resources. Can Tampa Bay’s front office shore up the rotation for another playoff push, or will risk factors haunt their roster planning? 0:00 - Fairbanks Option Declined 6:44 - Merill Kelly as Rotation Solution 17:29 - Fairbanks Free Agency Market Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_ Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts... Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/... #Rays #TampaBayRays #MLB Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. PrizePicks — Run Your Game. Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LO... Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
