The Tampa Bay Rays bolstered their outfield on Friday by acquiring outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. from the Miami Marlins in exchange for infielder Angel Brachi. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rays designated infielder Brett Wisely for assignment. Mesa, a 24-year-old Cuban prospect, now joins a revamped Rays outfield ahead of spring training.
The trade, announced on Friday afternoon, adds another layer to the Rays' overhauled outfield. Tampa Bay received Victor Mesa Jr., who made his MLB debut in 2025 with the Marlins, batting .188 (6-for-32) with two doubles, one home run, six RBIs, and a .641 OPS over 16 games. Miami had designated him for assignment on Tuesday. The Marlins, who signed the left-handed-hitting Cuban as an international free agent for $1 million in 2018, sent infielder Angel Brachi to Tampa Bay in return.
Mesa's minor league career shows promise but has been hampered by injuries. In 2024, he played only 83 minor league games due to stints on the injured list for ankle and back issues. Last year at Triple-A Jacksonville, he slashed .301/.368/.510 with nine doubles, one triple, seven home runs, and 30 RBIs in 42 games, though hamstring ailments limited him to 68 total games across levels.
Versatile enough to play all three outfield positions—primarily center—Mesa could compete for a roster spot if he stays healthy. The Rays' projected outfield includes Chandler Simpson in left, Cedric Mullins in center, and Jake Fraley in right, with Jonny DeLuca as a likely fourth outfielder. Notably, Simpson, Mullins, Fraley, and Mesa all bat left-handed, while DeLuca hits from the right side. Mesa retains one minor league option, potentially sending him to Triple-A Durham as depth.
Tampa Bay's outfield transformation began in November with Fraley's one-year signing, followed by Mullins' December contract. Spring training opens next week in Port Charlotte, Florida, with pitchers and catchers reporting Thursday and full squad workouts on February 17.
