ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays are close to finalizing a one-year contract with former Orioles utility player Steve Pearce, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The deal, pending the outcome of a physical, will provide a little jolt to an otherwise quiet offseason for the Rays.
It could also mean first baseman James Loney is on the move.
Pearce will be the second player who can play first base acquired by the Rays this offseason. Logan Morrison was the first, having come over from the Mariners in early November in the six-player swap that included pitcher Nathan Karns.