When catcher Chris Gimenez signed a minor-league deal with the Rays on the eve of camp, picking them over a couple other teams, opportunity was a key selling point.

“They said the backup situation was wide open,” said Gimenez, 29. “They said it was a ‘winnable job.’ “

As one of the few position battles this spring, the second catcher spot behind veteran Jose Molina is “not even close to being locked up,” manager Joe Maddon said Monday. There are the incumbents, 27-year-olds Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos, who have limited experience — and success — at the big-league level. Lobaton, who is out of options, would appear to have a slight edge, with Gimenez not on the 40-man roster, but both Venezuelans still have a lot to prove.

“It’s a big moment for me,” Lobaton said.

Said Chirinos: “I have everything in my hands.”