TL;DR
- Tampa Bay Rays signed LHP John Rooney and IF Raynel Delgado to minor league deals.
- Rooney is a former Houston Astros pitcher with MLB experience and a 3.84 minor league ERA.
- Delgado is a versatile infielder from Cuba with a .281 batting average and 40 stolen bases in 2025.
- Both players received invitations to major league spring training with the Rays.
The Tampa Bay Rays made two signings Thursday afternoon to start preparing their roster for next season.
A former left-handed Houston Astros pitcher and an ex-infielder who played for Cleveland and Milwaukee are joining the team.
Beat reporter Marc Topkin reported the transactions. The Rays have secured LHP John Rooney and IF Raynel Delgao with minor league agreements, including invitations to major league spring training.
Rooney, a 28-year-old, 6-foot-5 left-handed pitcher, hails from Melrose, New York. He played college ball at Hofstra University on Long Island and was selected by The Dodgers in the third round of the 2018 draft.
Rooney made it to the majors for his MLB debut in 2025, throwing in just one outing for the Astros. He allowed a run in 1.1 innings while striking out two.
In his minor league career, Rooney has a 3.84 ERA and has averaged 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings.
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A 25-year-old native of Cuba, Delgado is a left-handed batter and right-handed thrower. He played high school baseball at Calvary Christian Academy in Florida, and the Cleveland organization selected him in the sixth round of the 2018 draft.
Delgado remained part of the Guardians' system until 2024. In 2025, he played for The Brewers' Triple-A team in Nashville.
In Nashville, Delgado batted.281, recording 19 doubles, three triples, five homers, and 40 stolen bases across 125 contests. Furthermore, he's capable of playing any infield position.
Tampa Bay seems to acquire players like Delgado and develop them effectively. Rooney, a tall left-handed pitcher, is also a highly sought-after asset. These two acquisitions represent a solid addition for The Rays.
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