The Tampa Bay Rays are stuck at the bottom of a loaded AL East heading into 2025.

Can the team find a way to have success? If so, there are a lot of if’s that will have to work out.

The Rays moved Jeffrey Springs this offseason but have an interesting group still in place in the rotation. Shane McClanahan is returning from an elbow injury while Drew Rasmussen and Shane Bay also dealt with problems in 2024. This left room for Taj Bradley and Ryan Pepiot to be thrown into the mix. Rasmussen might be used as a bullpen arm with the depth that Tampa Bay has. While it is not an elite bunch, it is enough to keep the team competitive.

Taylor Walls was acquired in the offseason to take over at shortstop. The plan is for the defensive stud to hold court until top prospect Carson Williams is ready. Walls is a Gold Glover caliber shortstop but brings no offensive game whatsoever. The corners are where the Rays will thrive. At 21 years old, Junior Caminero is prepared to take part in his first full season. He brings a great presence in the middle of the lineup. Yandy Diaz is a proven commodity at first base for the Rays and is the most polished hitter they have.

The Rays seem like the odd team out in the division to this point. If all goes right, the team can win some games but a postseason run seems unlikely.

2025 Tampa Bay Rays Season Preview

Major Additions: Ha-Seong Kim, Taylor Walls, Danny Jansen

Key Losses: Jose Siri

Potential Lineup

1. Yandy Diaz, 1B
2. Josh Lowe, OF
3. Brandon Lowe, 2B
4. Junior Caminero, 3B
5. Jonathan Aranda, DH
6. Danny Jansen, C
7. Christopher Morel, OF
8. Taylor Walls, SS
9. Jonny DeLuca, OF

Potential Rotation

• Ryan Pepiot
• Taj Bradley
• Drew Rasmussen
• Shane Baz
• Zack Little

Record Prediction

This is a very average roster in Tampa Bay. Kevin Cash is a good manager that will keep the team in the mix. The problem is, an 81-win team could be at the bottom of the AL East this season. The Rays World Series window seemed to close but the rebuild could be quick if the front office makes the right moves. Until then, Tampa Bay will look to keep its head above water.

Final Record: 81-81