The Tampa Bay Rays have officially moved on from the “Jose Siri experience.” In a move that may not have shocked many, the Rays traded the former Houston Astros center fielder to the New York Mets this week, signaling the end of Siri’s brief and tumultuous tenure in Tampa. As the stadium saga continues to dominate headlines, this trade represents another shift in the Rays’ ever-evolving roster, with a clear emphasis on building depth and flexibility for the 2025 season.
Siri’s Struggles Lead to Departure
Siri, known for his elite defense and impressive raw power, never quite lived up to expectations in Tampa. Although his glove in center field remained a bright spot, his bat was a major liability. He failed to post a wRC+ above league average and struggled to consistently make contact. Despite his occasional long-ball heroics, his offensive performance was often inconsistent, which led to periods of bench time in 2024.
In addition to his offensive struggles, Siri’s attitude and work ethic reportedly raised some concerns within the organization. While the Rays have always valued players with high upside, they’re also known for their meticulous attention to clubhouse dynamics. Given Siri’s projected salary in 2025 and his limited offensive ceiling, the Rays decided to part ways, clearing the way for younger, more cost-effective options.
Jake Mangum: A More Affordable Option
To fill Siri’s spot on the 40-man roster, the Rays have added 28-year-old outfielder Jake Mangum, a switch-hitting center fielder who has yet to make his major-league debut. Mangum, a fourth-round pick by the New York Mets in 2019, has spent the past several seasons bouncing between the Mets’ and Marlins’ systems, with his most recent stint coming in the Rays’ organization. While Mangum hasn’t demonstrated significant power in his career, he brings a different skill set compared to Siri, particularly with his strong on-base skills and solid base-running ability.
Mangum’s style is far more contact-driven than Siri’s, and he’s shown the ability to get on base at a respectable rate. He’s also a decent doubles hitter, which helps keep the line moving, even if he’s not a power threat. While it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a slugger, Mangum’s ability to make consistent contact and get on base makes him a valuable piece of depth for a team that values athleticism and defensive versatility.
What Mangum Brings to the Table
Mangum’s calling card is his glove. Much like Siri, he’s known for his defense in center field, though he may not have the same raw speed that makes Siri a standout. What Mangum lacks in raw power, he makes up for with a patient approach at the plate and an ability to get on base, which aligns with the Rays’ philosophy of emphasizing contact and situational hitting.
Additionally, Mangum’s base running is above average, and that could be a valuable asset for a team that prides itself on aggressive play on the basepaths. In an ideal scenario, Mangum would be used as a defensive replacement, pinch runner, or injury fill-in at some point during the 2025 season. While he’s not expected to be an everyday starter, his skill set is one that complements the Rays’ depth-driven approach to roster construction.
Jonny DeLuca: The Starting Center Fielder
Despite the addition of Mangum, the Rays are still expected to hand the starting center field job to Jonny DeLuca come Opening Day. DeLuca’s impressive second half in 2024—where he demonstrated both solid defensive chops and an ability to hit league-average—cemented his status as the future center fielder for Tampa Bay. The Rays are banking on DeLuca’s continued development and believe his upside is greater than both Mangum’s and Siri’s.
That said, Mangum’s addition to the 40-man roster gives the Rays an insurance policy in case DeLuca suffers an injury or if another outfielder falters. The Rays have long been known for their ability to build depth and flexibility, and Mangum’s inclusion is a part of that strategy.
Depth, Depth, and More Depth
For a team like the Rays, whose success is built on maintaining balance and depth, Mangum’s addition is a smart move. Tampa Bay has a history of keeping a full cupboard of players who can step in when injuries or underperformance strike, and Mangum provides them with yet another viable option should the need arise. His glove-first skill set may not bring the fireworks that Siri’s power occasionally did, but he could be a steady contributor in a pinch, particularly if the Rays decide to use him as a late-game defensive replacement or base-running specialist.
The Rays have already shown they can withstand injuries and fluctuations in performance, and Mangum’s presence further strengthens their depth chart. With the focus clearly on keeping the roster fluid and ready for anything, Mangum could find himself as a useful piece in the Rays’ athletic outfield core, even if his role remains limited.
Looking Ahead
While the Rays’ stadium drama continues to steal the headlines, their moves on the roster are a reminder of how methodically they build for success. The trade of Jose Siri and the addition of Jake Mangum to the 40-man roster is another step in the Rays’ long-term plan to remain competitive. As always, their ability to churn out young talent and maintain depth will be a key factor in their ability to contend in 2025 and beyond.
Mangum may not be the star power the Rays hoped for when they acquired Siri, but his defensive versatility, on-base skills, and base-running ability give them a valuable role player for the future. For a franchise known for making the most out of every roster spot, Mangum could be the kind of player who fits in perfectly with the Rays’ next winning season.
