Tampa Bay Rays shake up their roster, sending Josh Lowe to the Los Angeles Angels in a bold three-team trade. With an outfield surplus making Lowe expendable, the Rays address their glaring need at second base by acquiring Gavin Lux from the Cincinnati Reds.

Lux’s steady glove, proven major league experience, and contract-year motivation could provide much-needed lineup stability—will he outperform expectations and become a cornerstone for a young Rays infield?

Ulises and Kevin break down the roster implications, question which young outfielders could seize new opportunities, and explore why Lux’s leadership and postseason pedigree matter in a transitioning clubhouse.

Plus, they spotlight Chris Clark, a Harvard-educated arm with under-the-radar upside—could he be the sleeper asset of this trade, reminiscent of past Rays surprises? Dive into analysis on the Rays’ shifting strategy, clubhouse dynamics, and the potential long-term winners of the deal.

00:00 – Josh Lowe Trade Analysis

09:06 – Gavin Lux's Role & Expectations

20:16 – Chris Clark: Trade X-Factor

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Tampa Bay Rays edge closer to a new stadium on the possible Dale Mabry-HCC site—could this finally secure their future in Tampa? Discussion centers on the ownership’s aggressive push, public funding challenges, and the intense pressure for shovels to hit the ground by midyear.

Ulises, Kevin, and WTSP’s Evan Closky examine Governor DeSantis’ connections, the Orlando Dreamers wildcard, and why fans remain skeptical without a shovel in sight.

Roster shakeups dominate the conversation, with questions over Shane McClanahan’s return from injury and whether Josh Lowe faces a make-or-break 2026 campaign. Are Cedric Mullins and Chandler Simpson the only outfield guarantees? Could player development and prospects reshape the Rays’ outlook in a loaded AL East featuring Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles, and Red Sox? Enjoy rapid-fire baseball trivia and insights on the Rays’ rebuild, farm system, and stadium saga that could redefine Tampa Bay’s MLB future.

0:00 - Rays Stadium Saga Update

10:16 - Rays 2026 Outlook & Fan Expectations

25:25 - Trivia & Name That WAR

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA.

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)

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Tampa Bay Rays fans face a sobering reality—can Shane McClanahan ever reclaim his ace status after multiple arm surgeries, or is the team betting on hope over history? Ulises and Kevin break down McClanahan’s uncertain future, questioning whether fans and front office should temper their expectations as the lefty recovers from Tommy John and nerve procedures. Projections and past MLB comebacks set the stage for a fierce debate: Is a mid-rotation role the best-case scenario?

Spotlight shifts to Richie Palacios, whom Ulises touts as a potential breakout at second base—channeling memories of Logan Forsythe’s 4-WAR campaign. The hosts evaluate Tampa Bay’s middle infield options, raise bold predictions for Chandler Simpson’s stolen base pursuit, and share listener hot takes on the 2026 season outlook. Can the Rays defy predictions of mediocrity, or does a challenging AL East spell growing pains for this retooled roster?

0:00 - McClanahan's Uncertain Return

10:24 - Richie Palacios as Breakout 2B

18:06 - Listener Bold Takes

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FanDuel

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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)

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