Tampa Bay Rays Sign Former Twins Outfielder Jake Cave

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed former Twins and Rockies outfielder Jake Cave to a minor league deal.

What happened?

Cave last played in the Majors with the Colorado Rockies in 2024 and has since played in the Korea Baseball Organization and the Mexican League.

The 33-year-old outfielder has a career .236/.292/.400 hitter with 45 home runs and a .692 OPS.

Why it matters for Tampa Bay Rays

The signing gives the Rays more depth in their outfield, with Cave able to play any of the three positions.

Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors notes that Cave could be called up to join the big league team if someone gets hurt or the Rays want to shake things up.

What comes next?

The Rays are currently 4th in the American League with a 45-33 record, on a W2 streak after beating the Kansas City Royals 13-2 on June 25.

Cave's experience and versatility could be valuable assets for the team as they seek their first postseason appearance since 2023.

The Rays' outfield currently includes Chandler Simpson and Victor Mesa, who are optionable if the team decides to make changes.

Cave has accumulated four outs above average on the grass, demonstrating his defensive capabilities.

The signing is a low-risk move for the Rays, who can assess Cave's performance in the minor leagues before deciding whether to call him up.