Return of the Rays
After a disappointing 2024 season, the Rays look to come back with a vengeance
It's no secret that last season was a letdown for the Rays. Riddled with injuries and inconsistent play, they finished with 80 wins and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018. With some key players returning from injury and a few new signings, the Rays hope to bounce back and return to the playoff picture. Can they pull it off? Let's take a closer look.
Pitching:
The Rays rotation is poised to be one of the best in the league in part due to the return of Shane McClanahan. McClanahan was an All-Star in 2023, but missed all of 2024 due to injury. Unfortunately he'll start this season injured as well after suffering an elbow injury in his final spring season start, but he'll only miss a couple weeks. Joining him is Drew Rasmussen, Taj Bradley, Zach Littell, Shane Baz, and Ryan Pepiot. The potential with this rotation is there, it's just a matter of rising to the occasion. The pitching staff just couldn't stay consistent last year, especially Taj Bradley. Consistency will be key if they want to make some noise this year. Health will also be an important factor, that's been a huge problem for them the past few seasons. The bullpen is less established, but the Rays have a proven closer in Pete Fairbanks and have a knack for finding quality bullpen arms.
Offense:
This was a major problem for the Rays last season, especially when it came to hitting with runners in scoring position. The Rays are looking to turn things around in part due to some new additions too in Catcher Danny Jensen and Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. The Rays are also banking on breakout seasons from young talent like Junior Caminero, Curtis Mead, and Christopher Morel. Caminero was the MVP of the Dominican Winter League and if he can keep it up, the Rays offense will get a much needed boost. The Rays are also counting on Yandy Diaz to set the tone as the leadoff hitter, hopefully he'll be able to replicate his 2023 season where he was an All-Star and picked up the Silver Slugger award. Josh Lowe didn't have a great 2024, but the potential is there and it would go a long way if he can break out. All in all, this team probably won't have the most explosive offense, but they have some solid depth and enough talent to keep them in it.
New(ish) stadium:
This is a major change for the Rays. After 25+ seasons at Tropicana Field, the Rays are playing all of their home games this season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The Rays have done fairly well at home in previous years, and it's hard to say if Steinbrenner Field will lead to more of the same. Its dimensions are similar to Yankee Stadium, with the notable short porch in right field. This could be a benefit for the Rays offense, as they're not really known for the long ball. Or it could burn them on the other end, only time will tell. The weather might be a factor too, not just the heat, but also the potential for rain delays.
Final thoughts:
I'm higher on the Rays than most people seem to be. Most predictions I've seen have the Rays 4th or 5th in the AL East, but I think they can go beyond that. The over/under on their total wins for the season is 81.5, but I think they could hit 90. The pitching staff will keep them in the mix, and I think the offense will hold their own as well. The AL East is going to be tough this year though, none of the other teams are going to be pushovers. There are definitely some uncertainties about this season, but I think the Rays have what it takes to prove the doubters wrong yet again.
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