TAMPA — It’s been tough for a while now, with nearly 200 games feeling like a never-ending cycle of disappointment.
Once, the Rays were a dazzling team, a force to be reckoned with for almost six straight years.
But recently? They’ve hit a wall. Their records have been a constant back-and-forth, hovering just around .500. Starting 2024 at 16-18, and 2025 looks sadly similar at 16-18.
So, what makes us think this year can be any different? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for the Rays to make a run for the postseason again?
Maybe you’re right to doubt it.
Losing key players like Wander Franco and facing the uncertainties with the Tropicana Field transition and revenue cuts can weigh heavy on any team.
But wait—consider this:
Shane Baz, Taj Bradley, Zack Littell, Ryan Pepiot, and Drew Rasmussen are all part of the roster. Add in the talents of Shane McClanahan and Joe Boyle.
Yes, there are weaknesses in the lineup, but the starting rotation is definitely capable of postseason play. While the season hasn’t showcased it yet, this lineup has the potential to minimize prolonged downturns and keep the bullpen fresh.
Plus, there’s Junior Caminero, Chandler Simpson, Jake Mangum, Kameron Misner, and Ha-Seong Kim.
While this lineup might not be labeled as phenomenal, it has several promising aspects and young talent, making it potentially underrated.
“Taj, Pepiot, Baz—they’re still evolving. Their major-league experience isn’t extensive yet,” said Erik Neander, the Rays’ baseball operations president. “Player development continues at this level, and this team has plenty of it.”
“When you look at who matters for this team, it’s not just Brandon Lowe, Yandy Diaz, or Danny Jansen. Sure, we want them to meet their past marks, but we thought the first part of the season would show us a lot. We’ve got solid components, but there’s potential for unpredictability as we sorted out who develops and who may plateau.”
“This team has the potential to gain momentum as the season goes on.”
Neander also drew parallels with the 2018 roster, which faced a similar situation after an 80-82 season—as does this squad. Young talents like Willy Adames, Brandon Lowe, and others showed promise that year, much like today’s young players.
That team started a bit shaky, stayed around .500 for a while, but then surged in August to finish with 90 wins.
“In 2018, we had young talents that we’ve organized throughout the year and made strategic moves to build momentum, eventually leading to 90 wins,” Neander added. “I believe this group has the same potential.”
Interestingly, some younger players have taken on important roles on this team. Misner, Mangum, and Simpson have given this team a boost in the face of injuries to star players like Josh Lowe and Richie Palacios.
Despite struggles, nearly all veterans have underperformed this season. B-Lowe tops the team in RBIs, but with an OPS of .563, lower than his career average of .812. Diaz is at .309 OBP, which could be his lowest ever. Jansen is struggling at .147, and Christopher Morel’s home run rate has significantly dipped from his first seasons.
Nonetheless, Neander applauds the veterans for maintaining team morale amid three separate four-game losing streaks this month.
“We emphasize team cohesion. Sure, transitioning to a new stadium comes with its challenges, but we haven’t heard any complaints from this crew. They’ve been consistent and energetic, lifting each other up. That’s impressive for a team with notable chemistry, even if the scoreboard doesn’t reflect it.”
“Our structure allows for improvement, especially with younger players. That cohesion, we believe, will maximize our chances of success.”
“Think of a train starting its journey—getting up to speed takes time, but once it does, it can gain serious momentum.”
Conclusion
The Rays are at a pivotal moment, with a mixture of young talent and experienced players. As the season progresses, their development could lead to a much more exciting outcome than past performances suggest.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of the Rays this season?
A: The Rays are currently hovering around a .500 record but have potential for improvement with young talents on the roster.
Q: Who are some key young players to watch?
A: Young talents like Shane Baz, Taj Bradley, Kameron Misner, and others are crucial for the team’s future success.
Q: What are some challenges faced by the Rays?
A: Key injuries and performance struggles among veterans have impacted the team’s early season performance.
