Zack Littell has emerged as one of the Rays' most reliable pitchers since being claimed off waivers in 2023. Transitioning from a career reliever to a swingman and eventually a starter, he recorded a notable 3.63 ERA and 2.8 WAR in 2024, leading the team in value. His new salary of $5.72 million for 2025 reflects his performance, making him the highest-paid pitcher on the roster following the trade of Jeffrey Springs. Despite his success, Littell is currently a subject of trade rumors due to the depth of Tampa Bay's pitching staff.

Zack Littell is one of five Rays players still eligible for arbitration, indicating he is in a position to negotiate his contract terms for the upcoming season. His status highlights the ongoing roster management and financial strategies the Rays are considering as they prepare for the next season.

Zack Littell remains eligible for salary arbitration as the Rays prepare for the upcoming season. His status highlights the ongoing negotiations and roster management challenges faced by the team as they finalize contracts with multiple players.

Littell had been caught up in trade rumors ahead of the deadline and early in the offseason, but with the trade of Springs, he emerged as a key figure in the Rays' starting pitching depth, alongside other options like Taj Bradley and Ryan Pepiot.

Zack Littell, who pitched for Tampa's FSL team in 2017, acknowledges the challenges of playing in Florida's heat but believes the impact of rain delays can be managed. He expresses curiosity about how many delays the Rays might face, noting that while the FSL experiences more delays than other leagues, not every game is significantly affected. Littell emphasizes that quick thunderstorms often pass through, allowing for games to continue, and he feels confident that the team can adapt to the new conditions if they find themselves playing in local stadiums.