The football season is over, the Olympics are in full swing and………….baseball is back! Spring training gets underway for all teams starting this weekend and indications are that it will be a very exciting year. So, how about our Rays? What can we look for under the new ownership and the new faces that are now Rays?

First of all, I am impressed with the new ownership and their commitment to getting a new stadium built in time for a 2029 grand opening. So far, they have the location, which is going to be great. Second, they have the backing of the city of Tampa, but that is just the beginning. The biggest hurdle ($$$$$$$) are ahead and how that will all get worked out. They also did not disrupt the RFO and all the important parts are still here and doing what they do best. This year with the departure of a few players namely Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe and Pete Fairbanks, the team will have a different look and a different vibe.

I like the moves getting Mullins, Lux, Matz and Martinez. I also like the moves to get some more depth with players like Fraley, Melton, Williamson, Mesa Jr., etc. Okay, granted there are no “superstars” in all those moves, but they all have what the Rays look for, good bat to ball skills, good defense, some speed and contact. It will be a different Rays team this year offensively with Junior and Yandy being the predominant power sources with some help from Mullins and Aranda. We are going to see a lot more small ball in the Rays makeup this year and I think it will lead to some exciting times.

Pitching wise, the major concern is just how good will McClanahan be upon his return. He will be watched extremely close, o lets hope for the best. As for the rest of the rotation, Pepiot, Rasmussen, Martinez and Matz I think this can be a lot better than some of the “experts” think. Not to mention guys knocking on the door like Ian Seymour and Brody Hopkins. The bullpen does not worry me as it is fairly well set and as you know from the past, the Rays always find a needle or two in the haystack that turns out to be a diamond in the rough, the pen doesn’t worry me that much. I also look for a ‘closer committee” with Cleavinger, Baker and Uceta being the main guys to close.

In closing, before the first balls are thrown and hit, before the first spring games are played, I am going against the grain. Most of the “experts” feel the Rays won’t even reach the 80 win mark. I disagree, I will say on this day Feb. 11, 2026, the Rays win 86 games and just miss making the post season.

As spring training moves along I’ll have more observations and thoughts about our Tampa Bay Rays.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN