The Tampa Bay Rays have added Cuban outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. to their spring training roster by acquiring him from the Miami Marlins, bringing in a fourth left-handed bat for the outfield. Mesa Jr. still has minor league options remaining and will compete with Chandler Simpson and Richie Palacios for playing time, joining established left-handed hitters Jake Fraley and Cedric Mullins on the roster.
Victor Mesa Jr., who initially signed for $1 million in 2018 and later received a larger deal exceeding $5 million, had previously stepped away from baseball and ranked outside Miami’s top 30 prospects, especially compared to his more renowned older brother. Known in the past for inconsistent hitting and frequent strikeouts, he made significant improvements in 2025, cutting his strikeout rate from 22% in 2024 to 15% last season and demonstrating an ability to refine his swing and produce at various levels.
After overcoming a hamstring injury at the start of the year, Mesa Jr. impressed in Triple-A with a 136 wRC+ over 42 games, which earned him a promotion to the majors in 2025. During his 16-game stint that season at age 23, he exhibited notable power, including hitting the first home run of his career into the second deck on his birthday.
Returning alongside Mesa Jr. is promising 18-year-old infielder Angel Braki, who delivered a strong performance in the Dominican Summer League with 228 plate appearances and a 142 wRC+. Braki was ranked among Fangraphs’ top 50 utility infield prospects last season, comparable in value to what Mesa Jr. brings to the Rays’ organization currently.
To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Mesa Jr., the left-handed infielder Brett Wisely was designated for assignment, a move anticipated after Wisely’s role diminished following the addition of Gavin Lux.
Fan Take: This acquisition could signal the Rays’ commitment to bolstering their outfield depth with versatile left-handed hitters, adding intrigue to their spring training battles. Fans should watch closely, as Mesa Jr.’s development and power potential might inject exciting new energy into Tampa Bay’s lineup and impact the team’s competitiveness moving forward.
