The Tampa Bay Rays made a slew of moves on Monday, Nov. 2, as they added RHP Alexander Alberto and OF Jack Suwinski to the 40-man roster. The Rays also brought back Jacob Melton, Ryan Pepiot, and Edwin Uceta from the 60-day injured list; Jonathan Heasley was pulled from the 40 man roster. Evan Reifert was going to make it as a minor league free agent, but was traded to the Houston Astros for cash considerations and instead was added to the 40-man roster. The Rays also waived RHP Kodi Whitley’s minor league deal.
All moving and shaking leaves the Rays with 39 players on the 40-man roster.
Advertisement
Albert, 25, has been in the lineup since signing as a teenager during the 2019 international signing period. Unfortunately, his professional debut has been postponed due to the 2020 league season being postponed due to COVID. It took until 2021 for Albert to make his regular debut in the DSL 6’8″ and the 6’8″ shooter immediately showed more tackles but a painful command. Albert’s command unfortunately did not reach the full season of the league until 2024.
Since then, his control has steadily improved as he reaches a peak of triple digits. Last offseason, Albert was eligible for the Rule 5 draft and was taken by the Chicago White Sox, but he was returned to the Rays before the end of camp. This past season, Albert enjoyed the best year of his career as he dominated in Double-A and rose to Triple-A. However, advanced hitters in Triple-A could mean Albert’s K% is slashed. Overall, in 2026, Albert had a 3.43 ERA 3.80 FIP with 28.6 K% & 9.9 BB% over 60.1 IP between Double-A and Triple-A. Albert would have become a minor leaguer if the Rays hadn’t added him to the 40-man roster.
View Link
Suwisnki, 28, took a very interesting route to the Rays’ 40-man roster this offseason. Originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round of 2016, Suwisnki worked in the Brothers’ system until he was one of three prospects traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for infielder Adam Frazier at the 2021 deadline. Marchio Suwunski was not a prospect in the deal (that was Tucupita Marcano) but he quickly became the top player involved on both sides.
Advertisement
The following year, Suwinski broke into the big leagues and accumulated 1.1 fWAR in 106 games. In 2023, Suwinski had a career season belting 26 HR and hitting .224/.339/.454, registering a 112 wRC+ and allowing 2.6 fWAR. The wheels fell off in 2024, resulting in Suwinski losing his place on the active roster. From 2024 through 2025, Suwinski hit .168/.271/.297 with 12 HR, registered a 58 wRC+ over 455 PA and accumulated -1.8 fWAR. This past February, the Pirates designated Suwisnki for assignment and a week later the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed him.
Suwinski crushed the ball in Triple-A for the Dodgers but never received a call-up to the big league roster, despite hitting .291/.386/.562 over 402 PA. Instead, they were traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on August 3, in exchange for promising prospect Hunter Feducci and Jacob Kmatz. During his season at Triple-A Durham, Suwisnki hit .231/.296/.300 over 143 PA.
Suwinski is an arbitrator’s choice to make more than the league minimum in 2027 if the Rays decide to keep him under contract; he will also have to make options available on the opening roster or be removed from the 40-man roster.
Next up for the Rays this offseason will be a Nov. 17 deadline to add players to the 40-man roster from within the organization to protect them from the Rule-5 draft.