The Tampa Bay Rays have kicked off the MLB offseason with the first trade, acquiring outfielder Ryan Vilade from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations. The move comes shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers captured the World Series title, signaling the start of free agency and offseason transactions.
Vilade, 26, has appeared in 28 major league games over the past three seasons, spending time with the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and most recently, the Reds. A versatile player capable of handling both the outfield and first base, Vilade offers roster flexibility as he competes for a spot on Tampa Bay’s Opening Day lineup. His performance this spring will determine whether he breaks camp with the big-league club.
So far in his MLB career, Vilade holds a .141/.200/.188 slash line with one home run, five RBIs, and eight total hits, amounting to a -1.0 career WAR. However, his Triple-A numbers are far more promising — he hit .296/.381/.536 with 12 home runs in 65 games for Louisville last season. Across eight minor league campaigns, Vilade has posted a .280/.360/.424 average with 71 homers, 35 triples, and 170 doubles.
Originally selected by the Rockies in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of high school, Vilade signed for a $1.4 million bonus. For Cincinnati, the trade opens up a spot on the 40-man roster, giving them added flexibility entering free agency. Meanwhile, the Rays are betting on Vilade’s potential, hoping he can evolve into a reliable contributor within their system.
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