With second base now open, the Rays' primary plan is to move Brad Miller to the keystone, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Miller, who made the move to first base last season, is no stranger to second, where he started 18 games from 2013 to 2015.
The Rays have a few options to fill first base, if desired to do so externally. Perhaps the best free agent option remaining is also one they've been linked to in recent days, Chris Carter. Jon Morosi of MLB Network said Friday that the team is interested in the 30-year-old, who hit 41 homers this past season.
Other options include fellow free agents Mike Napoli and Mark Reynolds, and Topkin lists C.J. Cron and Billy Butler as possible trade targets. With a glut of outfielders and a pitching staff that could still stand to lose an arm, more trades could be in the offing before Opening Day.
Potential landing spot for Justin Smoak!!!