December 16, 2024 • 18 mins
What if the Tampa Bay Rays' 2024 season was the most unpredictable chapter in their history? Join me, Dean Pitino, as we dissect a rollercoaster of a year for the Rays, where promise turned to challenge and lessons were learned the hard way. We shed light on the crucial trade of Randy Arozarena to the Mariners and how the influx of fresh talent like George Kirby and Jarred Kelenic was both a gamble and an opportunity for growth. Amidst the turbulence, standout performances from pitchers Zach Littell, Taj Bradley, and Ryan Pepiot, along with bullpen aces Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam, provided glimmers of hope. We'll unravel the narrative of resilience and potential, as the Rays' young arms look to forge a future as formidable as their past.
As the Rays regroup for 2025, we shift focus to a series of strategic offseason maneuvers aimed at revitalizing the roster. Discover how the acquisition of lefty Grant Wolfram and a blockbuster trade with the Athletics signal a commitment to bolstering their pitching depth and outfield prospects. Yet, off-field hurdles loom large, with Hurricane Milton's damage prompting a temporary relocation to George M. Steinbrenner Field. We'll explore how the Rays plan to navigate these logistical challenges while striving to remain competitive in the fierce AL East. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the Rays' roadmap to success, this episode promises insights into a team bent on overcoming adversity.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Major League Baseball fans, get ready for a close-up
look from the top step of thedugout.
Welcome to the BaseballClassics Podcast.
Covering any season from 1901to the present, We'll explore
exciting pennant races, diveheadfirst, analyzing and even
doing some comparisons that arebound to settle an argument or
(00:25):
start one up.
And now here's your host, DeanPitino.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello again, everybody.
Thanks so much for tuning in tothis Baseball Classics
Diamondcast.
Always great to be with you.
In today's episode, we aregoing to zero in on what
happened to the 2024 Tampa BayRays and, of course, look ahead.
They've already been active inthe postseason.
Before we dive in, make sureyou head on over to Baseball
Classics Real-Time Diamond View.
(00:53):
It's our free service thatgives you a complete update on
every single thing that'shappening in Major League
Baseball every day, 24 by 7 by365.
League Baseball every day, 24by 7 by 365.
You won't find this type ofcomprehensive coverage anywhere
else.
We guarantee it.
Baseballclassicscom slashDiamond View.
Baseballclassicscom slashDiamond View.
(01:17):
No login, no email.
Let your friends know, sharethat link, bookmark it.
You will absolutely love it.
You'll stay on the pulse ofwhat's happening every day in
Major League Baseball.
All right, let's get rollinghere.
The 2024 season for the TampaBay Rays was a season of both
promise and setback.
After finishing the 2023 seasonwith a robust performance,
(01:39):
expectations were high for theRays to continue their ascent in
the competitive American LeagueEast.
However, despite their strongstart and some significant
player performances, the Rays tocontinue their ascent in the
competitive American League East.
However, despite their strongstart and some significant
player performances, the Raysfound themselves falling short
of a playoff berth, with theteam and its fans left wondering
where it all went wrong.
Still, there were key takeawaysfrom the season, including the
(02:00):
impact of significant trades andplayer performances, and a look
ahead to what the future mighthold.
The 2023-2024 offseason was oneof calculated moves and measured
adjustments.
Coming off a strong 2023 season, the Rays knew they had to
build on their strengths whileadding depth to the roster.
(02:22):
The Rays general manager, peterBendix, and team president Eric
Neander worked in tandem tofortify the roster with
strategic acquisitions.
The Rays pitching staff, knownfor its innovative and highly
effective use of relievers andstarters, was strengthened with
a focus on deepening the bullpenand adding versatility.
(02:43):
And one of the most importantmidseason moves was the trade of
Randy Rosarino to the SeattleMariners.
The raise down Rosarino, a movethat shocked many but was part
of their broader plan to reshapethe team.
Rosarino, who had been acornerstone of the offense, was
(03:05):
sent to Seattle for severaltop-tier prospects, including
pitcher George Kirby andoutfielder Jerry Kalanick.
The trade was part of the Rays'effort to add young talent that
could potentially help them inboth the immediate and long-term
future.
The departure of Ros Arena lefta void in the outfield and the
(03:26):
team had to lean on theirremaining pieces, as well as
players acquired through thedeal.
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2024pitching staff showcased a blend
of resilience, youthful promiseand steady contributions.
Although it came with its shareof challenges, with a mix of
veterans and developing talent,the rotation and bullpen worked
(03:47):
tirelessly to keep the racecompetitive in the tough
American League East.
The rotation was led by ZachLittell, who stepped up to log
156 and a third innings across29 starts, finishing with a 3.63
ERA and a 2.8 war.
Littell's ability to eatinnings and maintain consistency
(04:10):
proved to be invaluable forrotation that faced some
turbulence.
Young right-hander Taj Bradleyfollowed closely, showing
flashes of dominance with 154strikeouts in only 138 innings,
though his 4.11 ERA indicatedsome growing pains in his
sophomore campaign.
Ryan Pepiot delivered a solidperformance with a 3.60 ERA over
(04:36):
24 starts.
He was part of the TylerGlasnow trade that was made,
coming over, of course, from theDodgers, so he showcased his
ability to limit hits at only7.1 hits per nine innings and
keep hitters off balance.
His presence helped stabilizethe middle of the rotation.
Meanwhile, zach Eflin, aaronSavali struggled with
(05:00):
inconsistency, combining for 12wins between them and ERAs north
of four.
Zavalli, in particular, facedchallenges giving up home runs
1.7 home runs every nine inningswhich hampered his overall
effectiveness.
A bright spot came in the formof Shane Baz, who returned to
the rotation after an injurylayoff.
(05:22):
In 14 starts, baz demonstratedace-level potential with a 3.06
ERA, 1.059 whip and animpressive strikeout-to-walk
ratio of 2.56.
The Rays' bullpen was once againa strength, led by closer Pete
Fairbanks, who notched 23 saveswith a 3.57 ERA.
(05:44):
Fairbanks continued to deliverin high-leverage situations,
though his walk rate 3.4 walksper nine innings showed room for
improvement.
A breakout performer, recordinga 2.67 ERA in 68 appearances
and showcasing excellent controlwith a 0.962 whip.
(06:07):
Veteran Jason Adam wasexceptional, holding batters to
a 0.894 whip and finishing witha 2.49 ERA, making him one of
the most reliable arms in thebullpen.
Garrett Clevenger addedversatility from the left side,
balancing with a 3.75 ERA with ateam leading 10.7 strikeouts
(06:28):
per nine innings.
Finally, colin Posh offeredsolid contributions despite some
volatility, further roundingout a bullpen that carries
significant weight.
Throughout the season, the Rayspitching staff demonstrated
depth and flexibility, ahallmark of the organization.
Injuries and inconsistencyamong certain starters forced
(06:49):
the Rays to lean heavily ontheir bullpen, which responded
well for most of the season.
Shane Baz's resurgent and TajBradley's progression were
critical for the team's outlook,as both pitchers displayed the
potential to anchor the rotationin future seasons.
Looking ahead, the Rays'priority will be solidifying
(07:10):
their starting rotation.
While Littell, pepiot and Bazprovide a strong foundation,
adding another dependablestarter through free agency or
trade could address theinconsistency that plagued parts
of their rotation.
The bullpen remains a strength,but finding additional depth
pieces to complement Fairbanksand Adam will ensure the team
remains competitive as theystrive for postseason contention
(07:34):
in 2025.
The Rays offense also had itsshining moments.
With the departure of Rosarena,the Rays also turned to their
younger players to step it up.
One of the breakout stars was25-year-old shortstop Wander
Franco.
Franco, who had shown flashesof brilliance in previous
seasons, truly emerged as one ofthe league's best in 2024.
(07:55):
He posted career highs in homeruns and RBIs and anchored the
Rays infield for much of theyear.
Franco's performance was asilver lining in a season that
saw the team struggle to fillthe gaps left by the Rose Arena
trade.
Brandon Lowe, the team'spower-hitting second baseman,
rebounded from an injury-plagued2023 season to provide a
significant boost in 2024.
(08:17):
Significant boost in 2024.
Lowe's ability to hit for power, combined with his ability to
draw walks, helped the Raysgenerate offense during
stretches when the teamstruggled to find consistency.
Despite adding new pieces to theroster, including a couple of
other offensive players, theRays' offense sputtered at times
, especially in key moments latein the season.
Their struggles with runners inscoring position were
(08:40):
particularly costly in the tightAmerican League East race.
Another factor in the Rays'inability to make the playoffs
was their pitching inconsistencyWith the offensive challenges.
Combined with pitching issues,the Rays fell short of competing
for a playoff spot.
So before we talk about theoffseason moves the Rays have
(09:01):
made so far, let's take just onemore look and kind of recap the
strengths and the weaknesses ofthe 2024 Tampa Bay Rays team so
you know where they need toimprove or where they're really
already solid.
So we'll start with teambatting, and again we're looking
at this from a collectiveperspective here.
(09:21):
On both the batting and thepitching for the 2024 Tampa Bay
Rays.
Their batting average as a teamwas very poor.
They really need to improve inthis area.
So it really, of course,impacted their total bases and
they struck out way too manytimes.
And it really showed when itcame to runs created.
(09:43):
This is one of their weakestareas as a team.
So because of the low battingaverage, because of the low
number of total bases and theamount of strikeouts, of course
that's going to add to very poorruns created for this team.
Now, on the bright side, on theoffense, they did get on base
(10:05):
via the walk at a good ratio.
They also were effective withsacrifice flies, so with runner
on third with less than two outs.
They were very effective thereand overall the run scoring
percentage was good.
It's just they didn't haveenough opportunities to do that.
So that's on the batting sidewhere they need to improve.
Again, batting averagedefinitely number one.
(10:27):
Get those total bases up, getthose hits going to complement
the walks that you already haveand you'll be in much better
shape.
Now, on the pitching side of theequation, the good news is that
their FIP and WIP so FIPfielding, independent pitching
ratings and WIP are excellent.
So this is a solid pitchingstaff.
When it comes to that, really,there's just a couple of knocks
(10:52):
on their pitching staff.
One is that their walk rate pernine innings was a little bit
too high.
They were underperforming thereand their home runs per nine
innings allowed is a little toohigh and of course, as you would
imagine if you followed TampaBay Rays at all over the last
(11:13):
good number of seasons, when itcomes to complete games and
shutouts, this team this is justnot how they're structured.
Complete games and shutoutsthis team this is just not how
they're structured.
It's not their strategy as anorganization for their pitching
staff to log complete games, letalone go the distance to get
shutouts.
So those are the areas on again, when it comes to the offense
(11:33):
and of course on the pitchingside, where they need to improve
.
I do want to add one more othercomment.
This is not a very good buntingteam, but on the other hand,
their fielding is pretty good.
They're able to catch the ballwell.
So you know they do have againsome room for improvement here
in some significant areas and onthe other hand, they have some
(11:56):
areas where they're alreadyreally solid.
They just need to really tackon to those.
So we'll see what they continueto do in the offseason and
here's what they've done so far.
So, as the 2024 season came toan end, the Rays were quick to
make moves to shore up theirroster for the upcoming year.
They made a splash early in theoffseason by adding left-handed
(12:17):
pitcher Grant Wolfram on aone-year contract as a free
agent, providing depth andreliability to the bullpen.
Wolfram, who spent the lastseveral seasons as a reliever in
the Rangers system, bringsmuch-needed experience to a Rays
bullpen that can always useanother arm.
On December 14th, the Tampa BayRays and Athletics executed a
(12:39):
significant trade aiming atreshaping their pitching staffs.
The Rays sent left-handedpitcher Jeffrey Springs and
reliever Jacob Lopez to theAthletics in exchange for
right-handed pitcher Joe Boyle,minor league first baseman slash
outfielder Will Simpson andminor league right-hander Jacob
Waters, and a 2025 competitivebalance round A draft pick.
(13:02):
Now Springs had a promising2024 season.
He posted a 3.27 ERA over sevenstarts before being sidelined
with left elbow fatigue.
His career record stands at23-12, with a 3.39 ERA and 145
appearances.
And Jacob Lopez?
Well, he appeared in four gamesto the Rays in 2024, recording
(13:25):
a 5.23 ERA.
Let's take a look at who theRays received.
It was again Joe Boyle, a25-year-old right-hander, who
made his major league debut withthe Athletics in 2023.
In 2024, he posted a 5-6 recordwith a 5.23 ERA in 16 games.
Will Simpson, a 23-year-oldminor league player who batted
(13:48):
.282 with 18 home runs and 90RBIs across AA and high A levels
in 2024.
And 90 RBIs across AA and highA levels in 2024,.
And Jacob Waters, a 23-year-oldright-handed pitcher who
recorded a 7-3 record but had a5.23 ERA in 18 games across
Lansing and AAA Las Vegas in2024.
(14:10):
So this trade reflects theRays' strategy to bolster their
pitching depth by acquiringyoung talent and a promising
draft pick.
The Rays have also been activein discussions with other teams
as they look to continuerebuilding their outfield depth.
It's clear that the team iscommitted to staying competitive
while also focusing ondeveloping their younger talent.
(14:31):
The Rays' front office, knownfor its resourceful and
strategic moves, has also beenlinked to potential free agent
signings, particularly in theoutfield and bullpen.
With a deep farm system, theyare expected to continue making
trades that align with theirlong-term goals without
sacrificing their immediatecompetitiveness.
Now, while it remains to beseen how far the Rays will go in
(14:54):
terms of free agent signings ortrades, one thing is clear
their front office is focused onbuilding a championship-caliber
team while also keeping theirfinancial flexibility intact.
So, looking ahead to theoffseason, the Rays' priorities
will likely center aroundfinding a more reliable power
hitter in the outfield and, withthe loss of a Rose Arena, the
(15:18):
Rays could look to add a veteranpresence who can step in and
provide some consistency in themiddle of their order.
Now, I don't know how likely itwould be, but names like
Anthony Santander and TeoscarHernandez have been linked to
Rays' rumors, but of course,they've been linked to many
other teams and rumors as well.
Of course, adding either one ofthose players could really give
(15:39):
the team some offensive punchthat it lost with Rosarena.
Now, in the pitching department, the Rays could look to add
depth to the rotation.
So that's another area theyshould definitely consider
moving forward, because theirstarting rotation was again, it
was okay atbest.
Now, the 2025 season outlook.
(16:02):
Now, of course, we all knowabout the extensive damage to
Tropicana Field inflicted byHurricane Milton in October of
2024.
Milton in october of 2024.
So, of course, as a result, therays will temporarily relocate
their home games to george msteinbrenner field in tampa, and
that's the spring trainingfacility of the new york yankees
(16:24):
.
The rays home games will beheld at steinbrenner field,
which has a seating capacity ofapproximately 11 000.
This venue is the largest amongflorida spring training
stadiums 11,000.
This venue is the largest amongFlorida spring training
stadiums.
To accommodate this change,major League Baseball has
adjusted the race 2025 schedule.
Notably, the series against theLos Angeles Angels, originally
(16:45):
scheduled for Angel Stadium fromApril 7th to the 9th, will now
take place at Steinbrenner Fieldfrom April 8th to the 10th.
Playing in a smaller outdoorstadium presents unique
challenges, particularlyconcerning Florida's summer heat
and potential rain delays.
The Rays will need to adapt tothese conditions, which could
affect game scheduling and fanattendance.
(17:07):
Additionally, the temporaryrelocation may influence the
team's home field advantage asthey adjust to a new playing
environment.
The damage to Tropicana Fieldhas raised questions about the
Rays' long-term future in theTampa Bay area.
While a new stadium is plannedfor 2028, the current situation
has prompted discussions aboutpotential relocation.
(17:30):
The team is actively engagingwith local officials to secure a
permanent solution that ensuresthe Rays remain in the Tampa
Bay region.
In summary, the Tampa Bay Rays'2025 season will be marked by
significant logisticaladjustment due to the
hurricane-induced damage toTropicana Field.
(17:51):
The team will play atSteinbrenner Field,
necessitating schedule changesand adaptations to new playing
conditions, and these changesinclude many more road games
than home games.
These developments underscorethe ongoing challenges the Rays
face in securing a stable andpermanent home for the
future.
For the Rays, the road to theplayoffs looks to be tougher in
(18:13):
2024, but their ability to adaptand their track record of smart
moves gives hope for a brighter2025 season.
The additions of Wolfram andpotential trades or signings
could be the difference makersthat elevate this team back to
the top of the AL East in thecoming years.
Well, we'll see about thatbecause they've got some tough
(18:37):
teams to climb over in theAmerican League East.
But that's a wrap for thisBaseball Classics Diamondcast.
Of course, we'll be back withanother team in our next
Diamondcast.
Thanks so much for tuning inand we'll see you next time.
So long, everyone.
Major League Baseball fans, get ready for a close-up
look from the top step of thedugout.
Welcome to the BaseballClassics Podcast.
Covering any season from 1901to the present, We'll explore
exciting pennant races, diveheadfirst, analyzing and even
doing some comparisons that arebound to settle an argument or
(00:25):
start one up.
And now here's your host, DeanPitino.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello again, everybody.
Thanks so much for tuning in tothis Baseball Classics
Diamondcast.
Always great to be with you.
In today's episode, we aregoing to zero in on what
happened to the 2024 Tampa BayRays and, of course, look ahead.
They've already been active inthe postseason.
Before we dive in, make sureyou head on over to Baseball
Classics Real-Time Diamond View.
(00:53):
It's our free service thatgives you a complete update on
every single thing that'shappening in Major League
Baseball every day, 24 by 7 by365.
League Baseball every day, 24by 7 by 365.
You won't find this type ofcomprehensive coverage anywhere
else.
We guarantee it.
Baseballclassicscom slashDiamond View.
Baseballclassicscom slashDiamond View.
(01:17):
No login, no email.
Let your friends know, sharethat link, bookmark it.
You will absolutely love it.
You'll stay on the pulse ofwhat's happening every day in
Major League Baseball.
All right, let's get rollinghere.
The 2024 season for the TampaBay Rays was a season of both
promise and setback.
After finishing the 2023 seasonwith a robust performance,
(01:39):
expectations were high for theRays to continue their ascent in
the competitive American LeagueEast.
However, despite their strongstart and some significant
player performances, the Rays tocontinue their ascent in the
competitive American League East.
However, despite their strongstart and some significant
player performances, the Raysfound themselves falling short
of a playoff berth, with theteam and its fans left wondering
where it all went wrong.
Still, there were key takeawaysfrom the season, including the
(02:00):
impact of significant trades andplayer performances, and a look
ahead to what the future mighthold.
The 2023-2024 offseason was oneof calculated moves and measured
adjustments.
Coming off a strong 2023 season, the Rays knew they had to
build on their strengths whileadding depth to the roster.
(02:22):
The Rays general manager, peterBendix, and team president Eric
Neander worked in tandem tofortify the roster with
strategic acquisitions.
The Rays pitching staff, knownfor its innovative and highly
effective use of relievers andstarters, was strengthened with
a focus on deepening the bullpenand adding versatility.
(02:43):
And one of the most importantmidseason moves was the trade of
Randy Rosarino to the SeattleMariners.
The raise down Rosarino, a movethat shocked many but was part
of their broader plan to reshapethe team.
Rosarino, who had been acornerstone of the offense, was
(03:05):
sent to Seattle for severaltop-tier prospects, including
pitcher George Kirby andoutfielder Jerry Kalanick.
The trade was part of the Rays'effort to add young talent that
could potentially help them inboth the immediate and long-term
future.
The departure of Ros Arena lefta void in the outfield and the
(03:26):
team had to lean on theirremaining pieces, as well as
players acquired through thedeal.
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2024pitching staff showcased a blend
of resilience, youthful promiseand steady contributions.
Although it came with its shareof challenges, with a mix of
veterans and developing talent,the rotation and bullpen worked
(03:47):
tirelessly to keep the racecompetitive in the tough
American League East.
The rotation was led by ZachLittell, who stepped up to log
156 and a third innings across29 starts, finishing with a 3.63
ERA and a 2.8 war.
Littell's ability to eatinnings and maintain consistency
(04:10):
proved to be invaluable forrotation that faced some
turbulence.
Young right-hander Taj Bradleyfollowed closely, showing
flashes of dominance with 154strikeouts in only 138 innings,
though his 4.11 ERA indicatedsome growing pains in his
sophomore campaign.
Ryan Pepiot delivered a solidperformance with a 3.60 ERA over
(04:36):
24 starts.
He was part of the TylerGlasnow trade that was made,
coming over, of course, from theDodgers, so he showcased his
ability to limit hits at only7.1 hits per nine innings and
keep hitters off balance.
His presence helped stabilizethe middle of the rotation.
Meanwhile, zach Eflin, aaronSavali struggled with
(05:00):
inconsistency, combining for 12wins between them and ERAs north
of four.
Zavalli, in particular, facedchallenges giving up home runs
1.7 home runs every nine inningswhich hampered his overall
effectiveness.
A bright spot came in the formof Shane Baz, who returned to
the rotation after an injurylayoff.
(05:22):
In 14 starts, baz demonstratedace-level potential with a 3.06
ERA, 1.059 whip and animpressive strikeout-to-walk
ratio of 2.56.
The Rays' bullpen was once againa strength, led by closer Pete
Fairbanks, who notched 23 saveswith a 3.57 ERA.
(05:44):
Fairbanks continued to deliverin high-leverage situations,
though his walk rate 3.4 walksper nine innings showed room for
improvement.
A breakout performer, recordinga 2.67 ERA in 68 appearances
and showcasing excellent controlwith a 0.962 whip.
(06:07):
Veteran Jason Adam wasexceptional, holding batters to
a 0.894 whip and finishing witha 2.49 ERA, making him one of
the most reliable arms in thebullpen.
Garrett Clevenger addedversatility from the left side,
balancing with a 3.75 ERA with ateam leading 10.7 strikeouts
(06:28):
per nine innings.
Finally, colin Posh offeredsolid contributions despite some
volatility, further roundingout a bullpen that carries
significant weight.
Throughout the season, the Rayspitching staff demonstrated
depth and flexibility, ahallmark of the organization.
Injuries and inconsistencyamong certain starters forced
(06:49):
the Rays to lean heavily ontheir bullpen, which responded
well for most of the season.
Shane Baz's resurgent and TajBradley's progression were
critical for the team's outlook,as both pitchers displayed the
potential to anchor the rotationin future seasons.
Looking ahead, the Rays'priority will be solidifying
(07:10):
their starting rotation.
While Littell, pepiot and Bazprovide a strong foundation,
adding another dependablestarter through free agency or
trade could address theinconsistency that plagued parts
of their rotation.
The bullpen remains a strength,but finding additional depth
pieces to complement Fairbanksand Adam will ensure the team
remains competitive as theystrive for postseason contention
(07:34):
in 2025.
The Rays offense also had itsshining moments.
With the departure of Rosarena,the Rays also turned to their
younger players to step it up.
One of the breakout stars was25-year-old shortstop Wander
Franco.
Franco, who had shown flashesof brilliance in previous
seasons, truly emerged as one ofthe league's best in 2024.
(07:55):
He posted career highs in homeruns and RBIs and anchored the
Rays infield for much of theyear.
Franco's performance was asilver lining in a season that
saw the team struggle to fillthe gaps left by the Rose Arena
trade.
Brandon Lowe, the team'spower-hitting second baseman,
rebounded from an injury-plagued2023 season to provide a
significant boost in 2024.
(08:17):
Significant boost in 2024.
Lowe's ability to hit for power, combined with his ability to
draw walks, helped the Raysgenerate offense during
stretches when the teamstruggled to find consistency.
Despite adding new pieces to theroster, including a couple of
other offensive players, theRays' offense sputtered at times
, especially in key moments latein the season.
Their struggles with runners inscoring position were
(08:40):
particularly costly in the tightAmerican League East race.
Another factor in the Rays'inability to make the playoffs
was their pitching inconsistencyWith the offensive challenges.
Combined with pitching issues,the Rays fell short of competing
for a playoff spot.
So before we talk about theoffseason moves the Rays have
(09:01):
made so far, let's take just onemore look and kind of recap the
strengths and the weaknesses ofthe 2024 Tampa Bay Rays team so
you know where they need toimprove or where they're really
already solid.
So we'll start with teambatting, and again we're looking
at this from a collectiveperspective here.
(09:21):
On both the batting and thepitching for the 2024 Tampa Bay
Rays.
Their batting average as a teamwas very poor.
They really need to improve inthis area.
So it really, of course,impacted their total bases and
they struck out way too manytimes.
And it really showed when itcame to runs created.
(09:43):
This is one of their weakestareas as a team.
So because of the low battingaverage, because of the low
number of total bases and theamount of strikeouts, of course
that's going to add to very poorruns created for this team.
Now, on the bright side, on theoffense, they did get on base
(10:05):
via the walk at a good ratio.
They also were effective withsacrifice flies, so with runner
on third with less than two outs.
They were very effective thereand overall the run scoring
percentage was good.
It's just they didn't haveenough opportunities to do that.
So that's on the batting sidewhere they need to improve.
Again, batting averagedefinitely number one.
(10:27):
Get those total bases up, getthose hits going to complement
the walks that you already haveand you'll be in much better
shape.
Now, on the pitching side of theequation, the good news is that
their FIP and WIP so FIPfielding, independent pitching
ratings and WIP are excellent.
So this is a solid pitchingstaff.
When it comes to that, really,there's just a couple of knocks
(10:52):
on their pitching staff.
One is that their walk rate pernine innings was a little bit
too high.
They were underperforming thereand their home runs per nine
innings allowed is a little toohigh and of course, as you would
imagine if you followed TampaBay Rays at all over the last
(11:13):
good number of seasons, when itcomes to complete games and
shutouts, this team this is justnot how they're structured.
Complete games and shutoutsthis team this is just not how
they're structured.
It's not their strategy as anorganization for their pitching
staff to log complete games, letalone go the distance to get
shutouts.
So those are the areas on again, when it comes to the offense
(11:33):
and of course on the pitchingside, where they need to improve
.
I do want to add one more othercomment.
This is not a very good buntingteam, but on the other hand,
their fielding is pretty good.
They're able to catch the ballwell.
So you know they do have againsome room for improvement here
in some significant areas and onthe other hand, they have some
(11:56):
areas where they're alreadyreally solid.
They just need to really tackon to those.
So we'll see what they continueto do in the offseason and
here's what they've done so far.
So, as the 2024 season came toan end, the Rays were quick to
make moves to shore up theirroster for the upcoming year.
They made a splash early in theoffseason by adding left-handed
(12:17):
pitcher Grant Wolfram on aone-year contract as a free
agent, providing depth andreliability to the bullpen.
Wolfram, who spent the lastseveral seasons as a reliever in
the Rangers system, bringsmuch-needed experience to a Rays
bullpen that can always useanother arm.
On December 14th, the Tampa BayRays and Athletics executed a
(12:39):
significant trade aiming atreshaping their pitching staffs.
The Rays sent left-handedpitcher Jeffrey Springs and
reliever Jacob Lopez to theAthletics in exchange for
right-handed pitcher Joe Boyle,minor league first baseman slash
outfielder Will Simpson andminor league right-hander Jacob
Waters, and a 2025 competitivebalance round A draft pick.
(13:02):
Now Springs had a promising2024 season.
He posted a 3.27 ERA over sevenstarts before being sidelined
with left elbow fatigue.
His career record stands at23-12, with a 3.39 ERA and 145
appearances.
And Jacob Lopez?
Well, he appeared in four gamesto the Rays in 2024, recording
(13:25):
a 5.23 ERA.
Let's take a look at who theRays received.
It was again Joe Boyle, a25-year-old right-hander, who
made his major league debut withthe Athletics in 2023.
In 2024, he posted a 5-6 recordwith a 5.23 ERA in 16 games.
Will Simpson, a 23-year-oldminor league player who batted
(13:48):
.282 with 18 home runs and 90RBIs across AA and high A levels
in 2024.
And 90 RBIs across AA and highA levels in 2024,.
And Jacob Waters, a 23-year-oldright-handed pitcher who
recorded a 7-3 record but had a5.23 ERA in 18 games across
Lansing and AAA Las Vegas in2024.
(14:10):
So this trade reflects theRays' strategy to bolster their
pitching depth by acquiringyoung talent and a promising
draft pick.
The Rays have also been activein discussions with other teams
as they look to continuerebuilding their outfield depth.
It's clear that the team iscommitted to staying competitive
while also focusing ondeveloping their younger talent.
(14:31):
The Rays' front office, knownfor its resourceful and
strategic moves, has also beenlinked to potential free agent
signings, particularly in theoutfield and bullpen.
With a deep farm system, theyare expected to continue making
trades that align with theirlong-term goals without
sacrificing their immediatecompetitiveness.
Now, while it remains to beseen how far the Rays will go in
(14:54):
terms of free agent signings ortrades, one thing is clear
their front office is focused onbuilding a championship-caliber
team while also keeping theirfinancial flexibility intact.
So, looking ahead to theoffseason, the Rays' priorities
will likely center aroundfinding a more reliable power
hitter in the outfield and, withthe loss of a Rose Arena, the
(15:18):
Rays could look to add a veteranpresence who can step in and
provide some consistency in themiddle of their order.
Now, I don't know how likely itwould be, but names like
Anthony Santander and TeoscarHernandez have been linked to
Rays' rumors, but of course,they've been linked to many
other teams and rumors as well.
Of course, adding either one ofthose players could really give
(15:39):
the team some offensive punchthat it lost with Rosarena.
Now, in the pitching department, the Rays could look to add
depth to the rotation.
So that's another area theyshould definitely consider
moving forward, because theirstarting rotation was again, it
was okay atbest.
Now, the 2025 season outlook.
(16:02):
Now, of course, we all knowabout the extensive damage to
Tropicana Field inflicted byHurricane Milton in October of
2024.
Milton in october of 2024.
So, of course, as a result, therays will temporarily relocate
their home games to george msteinbrenner field in tampa, and
that's the spring trainingfacility of the new york yankees
(16:24):
.
The rays home games will beheld at steinbrenner field,
which has a seating capacity ofapproximately 11 000.
This venue is the largest amongflorida spring training
stadiums 11,000.
This venue is the largest amongFlorida spring training
stadiums.
To accommodate this change,major League Baseball has
adjusted the race 2025 schedule.
Notably, the series against theLos Angeles Angels, originally
(16:45):
scheduled for Angel Stadium fromApril 7th to the 9th, will now
take place at Steinbrenner Fieldfrom April 8th to the 10th.
Playing in a smaller outdoorstadium presents unique
challenges, particularlyconcerning Florida's summer heat
and potential rain delays.
The Rays will need to adapt tothese conditions, which could
affect game scheduling and fanattendance.
(17:07):
Additionally, the temporaryrelocation may influence the
team's home field advantage asthey adjust to a new playing
environment.
The damage to Tropicana Fieldhas raised questions about the
Rays' long-term future in theTampa Bay area.
While a new stadium is plannedfor 2028, the current situation
has prompted discussions aboutpotential relocation.
(17:30):
The team is actively engagingwith local officials to secure a
permanent solution that ensuresthe Rays remain in the Tampa
Bay region.
In summary, the Tampa Bay Rays'2025 season will be marked by
significant logisticaladjustment due to the
hurricane-induced damage toTropicana Field.
(17:51):
The team will play atSteinbrenner Field,
necessitating schedule changesand adaptations to new playing
conditions, and these changesinclude many more road games
than home games.
These developments underscorethe ongoing challenges the Rays
face in securing a stable andpermanent home for the
future.
For the Rays, the road to theplayoffs looks to be tougher in
(18:13):
2024, but their ability to adaptand their track record of smart
moves gives hope for a brighter2025 season.
The additions of Wolfram andpotential trades or signings
could be the difference makersthat elevate this team back to
the top of the AL East in thecoming years.
Well, we'll see about thatbecause they've got some tough
(18:37):
teams to climb over in theAmerican League East.
But that's a wrap for thisBaseball Classics Diamondcast.
Of course, we'll be back withanother team in our next
Diamondcast.
Thanks so much for tuning inand we'll see you next time.
So long, everyone.
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