About this episode
Tampa Bay Rays shake up their rotation by signing veteran pitcher Nick Martinez to a one-year deal, making him the highest-paid player on the roster. Can Martinez’s MLB and Japan experience provide the leadership and stability the young Rays staff needs, especially with questions looming over Shane McClanahan’s health and readiness for Opening Day?Ulises and Kevin break down how the additions of Martinez and Steven Matz reshape the Rays’ rotation and discuss why the team chose Martinez over a Zach Littell reunion.Key topics include the high cost of starting pitching, the importance of veteran presence for prospects like Joe Boyle and Ian Seymour, and the Rays’ recent $38 million investment in free agents like Jake Fraley and Cedric Mullins.Are the Rays finally turning the corner with payroll? What does this new mix of "glue guys" say about past clubhouse dynamics and the future of Tampa Bay baseball?00:00 — Nick Martinez Joins Rays07:40 — Martinez vs. Littell Decision18:45 — Rays’ Offseason Spending RecapFollow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlisesFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts...Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More? https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/...#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/everyday...Support 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.IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastFanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.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 1-800-8