About this episode
Tampa Bay Rays shake up their 2026 roster with a three-team trade, adding elite defender Ben Williamson while letting go of Colton Ledbetter and a competitive balance draft pick. Will Williamson evolve into their next utility star, or is he just another contact-first infielder in the mix? Kevin dissects the strategic reasons behind the move—including cap savings and a potential future replacement for Taylor Walls—highlighting Williamson’s impressive defensive metrics and major league readiness.Richie Palacios' future is thrown into question as recent roster additions like Gavin Lux and Williamson crowd both infield and outfield roles. The hosts weigh Palacios’ odds of making the Opening Day roster, explore positional battles for spring training, and debate his long-term fit given his minor league options. Also, new Rays ownership signals willingness to cover at least 50% of stadium costs and future maintenance, raising hopes for fans eager for fresh leadership and long-awaited renderings.00:00 – Rays' Three-Team Trades10:49 – Richie Palacios' Uncertain Role20:04 – Stadium Funding & Relocation UpdatesFollow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlisesFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rays/Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/#Rays #TampaBayRays #MLBEverydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONFanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.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-
