TAMPA -- With the World Series matchup set, the official start of MLB’s offseason is nearly here. That means it’s almost time for roster moves, trade talks, free-agent signings and another rite of the Hot Stove season: trying to figure out what the Rays will do behind the plate next year.

That position has been an issue for the Rays throughout their history, as they’ve struggled to develop and promote an everyday catcher from within their system. And it’s been a revolving door since Mike Zunino made four straight Opening Day starts from 2019-22, shuffling through the likes of Francisco Mejía, Christian Bethancourt, René Pinto, Alex Jackson and Ben Rortvedt the past few years.

Since Zunino slugged 33 homers and totaled 4.1 Wins Above Replacement in ’21, Rays catchers have combined for jus

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