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Cam Booser and the baseball story you need to know (Updated)

The Tampa Bay Rays have reshaped their pitching staff this offseason, addressing a critical shortage of left-handed arms by making multiple high-profile trades and signings. The team dealt away key players like Shane Baz and Brandon Lowe, acquiring Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery in return.

Montgomery’s addition was particularly notable, as the Rays had relied on just four southpaws during the 2025 season—only Ian Seymour, Garrett Cleavinger, Montgomery, and Joe Rock took the mound. With Montgomery now traded and Seymour likely headed to Durham, the Rays turned to free agency, signing Steven Matz to bolster the rotation and adding John Rooney and Cam Booser to the bullpen depth chart.

Booser, a 33-year-old veteran with a storied injury history—including a broken femur, vertebra, and multiple surgeries—emerged as a late offseason surprise, offering much-needed experience to a bullpen that lacked left-handed options. His journey from undrafted free agent to potential major-league reliever underscores the Rays’ creative approach to filling gaps on a roster still evolving after significant roster turnover.

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