Welcome to my Tampa Bay Rays page—a celebration of grit, innovation, and one of the most exciting teams in Major League Baseball.
The Rays have built a reputation for doing more with less, consistently competing with heart, hustle, and smart strategy. From deep postseason runs to walk-off thrillers at Tropicana Field, following the Rays is a rollercoaster of underdog spirit and big-league determination.
This page is dedicated to the moments, players, and passion that make rooting for Tampa Bay baseball such a unique and rewarding experience.
| FINAL STANDINGS | ||||
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 94 | 68 | .580 | - |
| NY Yankees | 94 | 68 | .580 | - |
| Boston Red Sox | 89 | 73 | .549 | 5.0 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | 77 | 85 | .475 | 17.0 |
| Baltimore Orioles | 75 | 87 | .463 | 19.0 |
Tampa Bay Rays 2025 Season Recap
The 2025 Tampa Bay Rays faced one of the most unusual and challenging seasons in franchise history — navigating a temporary home, ownership change, and competitive AL East battles.
Season Overview and Context
The 2025 season marked the 28th campaign in Tampa Bay Rays history. However, it began under extraordinary circumstances. In late 2024, Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage to Tropicana Field, forcing the Rays to relocate all their home games to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa — typically the Yankees’ spring training venue.
It was the first full-season relocation by an MLB team since the Toronto Blue Jays’ COVID-era move in 2021. Despite the logistical hurdles, the Rays embraced the challenge and managed to stay competitive for much of the season.
Relocation Impact: The Rays played the entire 2025 season away from Tropicana Field, marking a year of resilience amid adversity.
Performance and Standings
The Rays stayed above .500 for much of the first half, reaching a season-high 47–36 on June 28. However, the second half proved difficult, and they were officially eliminated from playoff contention on September 19 following a loss to the Boston Red Sox.
- Final record: 77–85 (missed postseason)
- Finished 4th in AL East
- Team batting average: .251
- Home runs: 182 | Stolen bases: 194
- Runs scored: 714
Team Highlights
Pitching Strength
- Shane Baz led the rotation, highlighted by an 11-strikeout performance against Oakland.
- Pitching depth remained a strength, continuing the Rays’ reputation for elite development.
- The bullpen excelled in one-run games but faded late in the season.
Offensive Notes
- Offensive inconsistency plagued the Rays; scoring came in bursts but lacked reliability.
- Yandy Díaz remained a steady contributor, including a key RBI triple vs. the Mets in June.
- Danny Jansen added veteran power, highlighted by a two-run homer during a comeback win over New York.
Challenges and Organizational Shifts
- The relocation impacted attendance, local fan engagement, and overall team rhythm.
- The long-debated St. Petersburg stadium project was shelved due to financial and logistical hurdles.
- Ownership change: In September 2025, the franchise sale to a group led by Patrick Zalupski was finalized, signaling a potential new direction for the organization.
Future Focus
The Rays’ ownership transition and stadium uncertainty will shape their long-term stability and competitiveness.
Season Takeaways and 2026 Outlook
- The Rays showcased adaptability and competitiveness under difficult conditions.
- Pitching depth continues to be elite, but offensive upgrades are necessary for playoff contention.
- With new ownership and possible stadium resolution on the horizon, 2026 could mark a turning point.
Overall, the 2025 Tampa Bay Rays season was one of endurance, resilience, and change. Despite missing the postseason, the team earned league-wide respect for their professionalism and competitiveness amid chaos. A stable home and a few roster tweaks could return them to playoff form soon.
Tampa Bay Rays 2026 Offseason Projection
Following a season defined by adversity and resilience, the Tampa Bay Rays enter the 2026 offseason seeking offensive consistency, roster stability, and long-term clarity on their stadium situation.
Mission Statement
Retool the lineup, maintain pitching excellence, and stabilize the franchise’s future home.
Team Overview and Constraints
- Projected 2026 payroll: $87–93 million (modest by MLB standards).
- Key free agents: Zach Eflin, Manuel Margot, and Andrew Kittredge.
- Ownership: New group led by Patrick Zalupski expected to emphasize financial discipline with incremental investment.
- Stadium future: Negotiations ongoing for a permanent home in the Tampa Bay area.
Offseason Strategy Breakdown
| Category | Focus | Potential Moves | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Agent Market | Affordable power bats and veteran leadership | Joc Pederson, Wilmer Flores, or Justin Turner | Boost run production and clubhouse experience |
| Trade Market | Move from pitching depth to gain offensive pieces | Deal one of Taj Bradley / Jeffrey Springs for a corner outfielder | Balances roster and fills offensive gaps |
| Internal Promotions | Leverage farm system’s top-10 depth | Junior Caminero, Carson Williams, and Curtis Mead | Infuse youth and reduce payroll strain |
| Coaching and Analytics | Refine hitting approach, increase slugging without sacrificing OBP | Hiring of new assistant hitting coordinator | Supports modern offensive development trends |
Key Priorities
- Stabilize the offense: The Rays ranked middle-of-the-pack in runs; adding one middle-order threat is vital.
- Preserve pitching excellence: Continue developing arms like Baz, Pepiot, and Littell without overexposing them.
- Commit to youth: Junior Caminero and Curtis Mead must take the next step as everyday contributors.
- Resolve stadium uncertainty: The new ownership must secure a permanent facility by late 2026.
Potential Additions
- Joc Pederson – Left-handed power bat who could thrive in a platoon DH role.
- Wilmer Flores – Veteran infielder with multi-position versatility and consistent bat-to-ball skills.
- Justin Turner – High-character veteran presence who fits Rays’ short-term, value-based model.
- Alex Verdugo (trade target) – Contact-oriented outfielder who could fit the Rays’ lineup philosophy.
Internal Players to Watch
- Junior Caminero (3B/SS) – Poised to become a franchise cornerstone if plate discipline improves.
- Carson Williams (SS) – Elite defender with growing offensive upside.
- Curtis Mead (INF) – Versatile and productive when healthy.
- Shane Baz – Potential breakout ace candidate in 2026 if fully healthy.
Organizational Philosophy
The Rays’ front office under new leadership is expected to maintain its analytics-first, value-maximizing approach while showing more flexibility in short-term spending. The franchise is unlikely to pursue major free agents but could make a bold trade to reenergize the fan base and extend their competitive window.
Bottom Line
The Rays will focus on efficiency over flash — targeting mid-tier veterans, promoting prospects, and positioning themselves for a 2026 playoff push built on balance and depth.
