The Tampa Bay Rays signed two players to minor league deals Thursday, adding depth with a lefty pitcher who got his first taste of the majors and a versatile infielder with speed.
LHP John Rooney and IF Raynel Delgado both received invites to big league spring training as part of their contracts, according to beat reporter Marc Topkin.
Rooney’s a 6-foot-5 southpaw from Melrose, New York who finally broke through to the majors in 2025. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut with Houston, allowing one run over 1.1 innings while striking out two in his lone appearance.
The Dodgers took Rooney in the third round back in 2018 out of Hofstra University. Throughout his minor league career, he’s posted a 3.84 ERA with an impressive 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings.
Versatile Infielder Brings Speed
Delgado’s the kind of player Tampa Bay seems to find value in – a switch-hitting utility guy who can play all over the infield. The 25-year-old Cuban spent last season with Milwaukee’s Triple-A affiliate in Nashville after coming up through Cleveland’s system.
Cleveland made Delgado a sixth-round pick in 2018 out of Calvary Christian Academy in Florida. He stayed with the Guardians’ organization through 2024 before moving to the Brewers system.
At Nashville, Delgado put up solid numbers across the board. He hit .281 with 19 doubles, three triples, five home runs and 40 stolen bases in 125 games.
That speed element stands out. Forty stolen bases at Triple-A shows he’s got the kind of athleticism the Rays love to work with.
Both signings fit Tampa Bay’s typical approach. Rooney gives them another lanky lefty – always valuable depth to have. Delgado’s the type of versatile player they often find ways to maximize.
Neither player’s guaranteed a roster spot, but spring training invites give them a real shot to impress. The Rays have a track record of finding diamonds in the rough with these kinds of moves.
