The Tampa Bay Rays are gearing up for the upcoming winter meetings with a lot on their plate. After an impressive 99-win season, the Rays have a chance to keep their roster intact while maintaining a record $125 million payroll. However, they are also considering making trades to cut salary and enhance their competitiveness.

Baseball operations president, Erik Neander, acknowledged the team's success and expressed optimism about the upcoming season. "We just won 99 games and we have a chance to return (just about) everybody," Neander said confidently. "We have really good players. We expect to be very competitive."

Despite their success, Neander emphasized the need to explore different options and be prepared for any potential trades that could arise. This includes potentially dealing players like Tyler Glasnow, Manuel Margot, and Harold Ramirez, who could bring notable salaries while still keeping the team competitive.

The spotlight is on Tyler Glasnow, who is garnering significant interest from other teams. As a front-line starting pitcher on a short-term deal worth $25 million, Glasnow is a valuable asset. However, if the Rays were to trade him, they would need to find a suitable replacement to maintain the strength of their rotation.

While the Rays have expressed confidence in their ability to handle a higher payroll, there are practical considerations. Their $125 million budget would leave little room for in-season additions and could have future financial implications. With key players like Shane McClanahan injured and Wander Franco's legal status uncertain, the Rays are cautious about maxing out their payroll in 2024.

As the winter meetings approach, the Rays are actively exploring trade possibilities and listening to offers. Their philosophy is to consider all options and engage in discussions to determine the best path forward. This includes potentially trading players like Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, and Brandon Lowe, who have been productive contributors to the team.

Roster and payroll space are crucial factors in the Rays' decision-making process. With limited flexibility on their 40-man roster, trades will be vital in making any major moves. The team is also considering the addition of another starting pitcher and a catcher to strengthen their lineup.

While the Rays wait for resolution on Wander Franco's situation, they are preparing to fill his spot on the roster. Taylor Walls is the likely replacement, though the team may consider adding another infielder for depth.

As the winter meetings approach, the Rays are keeping a close eye on the market. Big names like Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Cody Bellinger are in search of new homes, presenting potential trade opportunities. The team is open to breaking up their roster in order to improve their chances for immediate and long-term success.

With several key decisions to make, the Rays are well aware that the upcoming winter meetings could shape their roster for the next season and beyond. They remain committed to maintaining their competitiveness while exploring all possibilities to strengthen their team.