Tampa Bay Rays face pivotal arbitration with Edwin Uceta—will the All-Star reliever get his payday after dominating the AL? Ulises and Kevin break down the razor-thin $325,000 gap between Uceta’s ask and the Rays’ offer, comparing it to recent cases and exploring how arbitration outcomes can shape team morale and future trades. Key figures like Jason Adam, Harold Ramirez, and Ryan Thompson illustrate the process’s emotional toll and the Rays’ reputation for negotiating hard.

The hosts also evaluate the Rays’ current payroll crunch, the likelihood of a "closer by committee" featuring Uceta, Garrett Cleavinger, and Griffin Jax, and speculate on possible trade deadline chips like Yandy Díaz. With only $10–15 million left for acquisitions and veterans like Cedric Mullins or Steven Matz on the radar, can the Rays find the leadership and value they need, or will youth prevail in St. Petersburg?

0:00 — Rays Arbitration & Edwin Useta

10:06 — Closer by Committee & Useta’s Role

16:15 — Payroll, Offseason Moves, & Roster Needs

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