Offseason Outlook: Tampa Bay Rays

theScore's baseball editors break down the past year for each team, and look ahead to the offseason.

Free agents: Wilson Betemit, Juan Carlos Oviedo

Arbitration-eligible players: Sean Rodriguez, Matt Joyce, Cesar Ramos, Jake McGee, Logan Forsythe, Desmond Jennings, Alex Cobb, Drew Smyly 

2014 payroll: $57,808,332

What went right in 2014?

The Rays were 15 games below .500 on June 5 after enduring a 10-game losing streak, but showed some real character by battling to a 61-61 record by mid-August. Pitching was once again the backbone of the squad as Alex Cobb, Chris Archer, David Price and Jake Odorizzi were able to keep the low-budget team competitive.

Evan Longoria played 162 games for the first time in his career and put up big offensive numbers. The third baseman and cornerstone of the franchise hit .253 with 22 home runs and 91 RBIs without any real protection in the lineup. 

What went wrong in 2014?

The Rays averaged 3.78 runs per game, which ranked 27th in the majors. James Loney and Ben Zobrist had average offensive campaigns while many of the team's young players were inconsistent. Wil Myers, who enjoyed a breakout rookie campaign in 2013, battled injuries and hit only .222 with six home runs and 35 RBIs in 87 games. Desmond Jennings also took a step back after a promising 2013 season, producing far less in almost every offensive category.

The Rays waved the white flag when they dealt Price at the trade deadline to the Detroit Tigers. But that's the reality of the small market in Tampa Bay. The additional loss of manager Joe Maddon to the Chicago Cubs is also troubling for the Rays. The search for a new manager now begins, but how can you replace Maddon? He was beloved by his players for his uncanny ability to keep the clubhouse loose, and the team chemistry will undoubtedly be offset moving forward. 

Offseason needs

Power bat

You have a serious problem when Sean Rodriguez is second on your club with 12 home runs. Without Maddon pulling the strings to manufacture runs, this team desperately needs a power bat if it hopes to stay out of the basement in the competitive American League East. General Manager Matthew Silverman won't have much money with which to address the need, though.

Top Targets

• Mark Reynolds - The veteran is a boom-or-bust hitter, but he's the kind of bat the cash-strapped Rays may be able to afford. No team needs a 40-homer man like Nelson Cruz more than Tampa Bay, but it doesn't have the financial resources to get it done.

• Jonny Gomes - History suggests the journeyman has the potential to hit 15 long balls if given the opportunity to be an everyday player. And Tampa Bay wouldn't have to break the bank to sign him.

Speedster

The Rays combined to steal 63 bases a year ago, which ranked them 26th in the majors. Jennings led the way with 15 thefts, but only one other player (Ben Zobrist - 10) finished in double digits. There isn't a true base-stealer available on the free-agent market, so this may need to be addressed internally or by trade.

• Emilio Bonifacio - Doesn't fit the true speedster mold, but has the potential to steal 20 bases. His ability to play multiple positions is also intriguing.

• Alex Rios - The veteran stole 42 bases in 2013, but only 17 last season. 

Impact prospect

Hak-Ju Lee - Casey Gillaspie and Willy Adames are considered the Rays' top prospects but they're both unlikely to play at the big-league level next season. Hak-Ju Lee, on the other hand, appears ready to make the jump up from the minors and has Gold Glove potential. The shortstop's speed is his best attribute, which could certainly help the team on the base paths.