ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 22: Wander Franco #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a three-run home run in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox during his Major League debut at Tropicana Field on June 22, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Rays are in fourth place in the AL East and three games back from a wild-card spot.
Tampa Bay finished the 2024 season with a record of 80-82 and missed the postseason. Tampa Bay needed to make moves to contend in 2025, but the organization typically prioritizes a lower payroll, and its offseason reflects its values.
The Rays signed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim and catcher Danny Jansen. The Rays also traded centerfielder Jose Siri to the New York Mets for reliever Eric Orze.
Tampa Bay’s offense has been solid during the 2025 campaign, led by Jonathan Aranda, Yandy Diaz, Brandon Lowe and Junior Caminero.
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The offense is in the top five in batting average and the top 10 for runs scored. The Rays are just outside of the top 10 for RBIs and are in the top half of the league for slugging percentage, on-base percentage and home runs.
The pitching has also been steady, led by Drew Rasmussen, Zack Littell and Ryan Pepiot.
Tampa Bay is in the top five for preventing walks and walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP). Tampa is in the top half of the league for ERA and batting average allowed, but gives up the sixth-most home runs.
Injuries have been a story for the Rays this season. Ace Shane McClanahan has yet to pitch this season, reliever Manuel Rodriguez will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the season, Lowe is on the 10-day injured list, and Kim has played in only 10 games.
If Tampa Bay wants to get one of the wild-card spots, getting healthy will be a top priority, and adding a reliable bullpen arm would be helpful for its success.
Tampa Bay has +350 odds to make the postseason. If the Rays get in, it’s unlikely that the team goes on a run, as Vegas gives the Rays +3000 odds to win the American League and +6600 odds to win the World Series.
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