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Rays exercise club option for newly minted Gold Glove winner Walls

The Tampa Bay Rays extended their commitment to shortstop Kevin Walls by exercising his $3.1 million club option for the 2027 season, rewarding his standout defensive play that earned him a Gold Glove award. Walls, a career .200 hitter, contributed significantly to the Rays’ American League championship run with a 3.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) total, largely due to his elite fielding at shortstop.

The 30-year-old played a career-high 124 games this season, marking his healthiest campaign in years, and the option locks in his salary before he enters free agency in 2028. The move also ensures he remains under team control, avoiding arbitration eligibility next year.

In other roster decisions, the Rays selected the contracts of reliever Alexander Alberto and outfielder Jack Suwinski, adding them to the 40-man roster and preventing them from becoming minor-league free agents. Alberto, a 25-year-old with a potent triple-digit cutter, could make an impact in Tampa Bay’s bullpen next season after finishing the year with Triple-A Durham.

Suwinski, acquired from the Dodgers before the trade deadline, provided depth in the outfield and also wrapped up his season with Durham. Meanwhile, infielder Nick Madrigal cleared waivers and elected free agency, while right-hander Jonathan Heasley became a minor-league free agent after clearing waivers.

The Rays also traded minor-league pitcher Evan Reifert to the Astros for cash considerations, leaving them with 39 players on their 40-man roster as the offseason unfolds.

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