The Tampa Bay Rays entered the 2024 season with high hopes, building on their consistent playoff appearances over the past five years. However, the campaign did not unfold as expected. The Rays finished the season with an 80-82 record, marking their first losing season since 2017 and ending a streak of playoff berths that stretched back to 2018.
Despite flashes of brilliance, such as a thrilling five-game winning streak in midseason and seven walk-off victories, the Rays struggled to find the consistency necessary to make a serious postseason push. Offensively, the team’s struggles were glaring, particularly with a team OPS of .668—the worst in franchise history. Their issues with runners in scoring position, reflected in a dismal .211 batting average, further underscored the challenges.
On a more positive note, the Rays’ pitching showed promise, especially in the second half of the season. The pitching staff managed an impressive 3.14 ERA after the All-Star break, with key contributions from young arms like Shane Baz and Drew Rasmussen, who returned from injury. This solid pitching foundation offers hope for a stronger 2025 season.
Ultimately, while the Rays showed flashes of potential, the offensive struggles and a lack of sustained momentum proved too much to overcome. With their offseason now underway, the Rays will need to address these issues if they hope to return to playoff contention next year. The big question remains: Can Tampa Bay rebuild and regain their winning ways in 2025, or is this the start of a longer rebuild? What do you think?
FAQs
Q: Why did the Rays struggle with scoring runs?
A: The team faced difficulties in key offensive situations and had a low team OPS.
Q: What were the highlights of the season?
A: The Rays had notable wins, exciting walkoff victories, and impressive defensive plays.
