Victor Mesa: Everything you need to know

The Rays optioned Mesa to minor-league camp Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The Rays acquired Mesa just before spring training, but he never had much of a chance to make the Opening Day roster. The 24-year-old outfielder went 2-for-5 at the plate during his limited opportunities during Cactus League play.

Mesa (hamstring) will make his Grapefruit League debut Sunday against Atlanta, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The 24-year-old has apparently been dealing with a hamstring injury but is ready for spring action. The Rays acquired Mesa from the Marlins in early February, and he's likely to serve as organizational outfield depth and open 2026 at Triple-A Durham.

The Rays acquired Mesa from the Marlins on Friday in exchange for Angel Brachi. Mesa made his big-league debut in 2025, appearing in 16 games with the Marlins and slashing .188/.297/.344 across 38 plate appearances. The 24-year-old had a strong .887 OPS across 171 plate appearances at Triple-A Jacksonville in 2025. The young outfielder will look to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster.