Rays Acquire José Caballero and Richie Palacios in Trades

Caballero expected to start at shortstop on Opening Day, Palacios to fill outfield spot; Kittredge to strengthen Cardinals' bullpen.

The Tampa Bay Rays have completed two trades, acquiring infielder José Caballero from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder Luke Raley, and outfielder Richie Palacios from the St. Louis Cardinals for right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge.
Caballero is expected to start at shortstop for the Rays on Opening Day, providing stability at the position while Wander Franco is under MLB investigation and Taylor Walls recovers from offseason surgery.
Palacios, a left-handed hitter, is expected to fill the spot left by Raley, balancing the Rays' lineup.
Kittredge, who was an All-Star in 2021, is expected to strengthen the Cardinals' bullpen, which has used Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos in late-inning situations.
The trades are part of the Rays' strategy of dealing more established players for younger, less established ones to maintain the balance of their roster and remain competitive.