The Rays enter 2026 in a familiar position: balancing a thin budget with a high-ceiling roster that relies on internal development and strategic opportunism. After a 77-85 finish in 2025 and a significant roster shakeup that saw mainstay Brandon Lowe traded, the organization spent the winter looking to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term asset management.
They’re hoping this youth movement, built around Junior Caminero and Shane McClanahan, can give them a fighting chance in a deeply contested AL East.
Lineup
The 2026 lineup is built around a “Top Four” that the front office believes can carry the offense. However, the depth is noticeably thin, and the team is leaning heavily on young talent and bounce-back candidates. Caminero, coming off a 45-homerun performance last season, is the heartbeat of the lineup and the primary source of the offensive power.
Chandler Simpson is expected to bat leadoff after swiping 44 bases last season. Yandy Diaz is the veteran anchor of the team and while he is now 35, he remains a high OBP machine. Jonathan Aranda emerged as the 1st baseman las season batting .316 with 14 homeruns and 59 RBIs.
Rotation
The biggest storyline of the spring is the return of Shane McClanahan. The lefty all-star hasn’t pitched since 2023 and his health is the biggest factor for the success or failure of the pitching staff. Drew Rasmussen is a high-octane arm that could provide a formidable 1-2 punch with McClanahan. Ryan Pepiot is a developmental pitcher who the Rays foresee becoming reliable mid-rotation anchor. Steven Matz was brought in on a two-year deal to provide depth.
Bullpen
The Rays enter the season without a designated closer. They have three arms that could act as the primary “high leverage” options for the later innings. Griffin Jax (the likely frontrunner to lead the team in saves) was acquired from the Twins last season and averaged 13.5 K/9. Garrett Cleavinger is the primary weapon against left-handed hitters and his sweeper pitch is statistically one of the most difficult to hit in the league. Bryan Baker, acquired from the Orioles, provided a different look with high-velocity heat and a deceptive delivery.
Projected Lineup:
- Chandler Simpson – LF
- Yandy Diaz – DH
- Jonathan Aranda – 1B
- Junior Caminero – 3B
- Cedric Mullins – CF
- Gavin Lux – 2B
- Jake Fraley – RF
- Hunter Feduccia – C
- Taylor Wells – SS
Projected Rotation
- Shane McClanahan
- Drew Rasmussen
- Ryan Pepiot
- Steven Matz
- Nick Martinez
Projected Bullpen
Griffin Jax – Closer
Garrett Cleavinger – Setup
Bryan Baker
Manuel Rodriguez
Yoendrys Gomez
Edwin Uceta
Manager: Kevin Cash (12th season)
Projection: 76-86 (5th in the AL East)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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