The Rays ended the 2024 season with an 80-82 record which was good for fourth place in the American League East, 14 games behind the division winners New York Yankees.
While not a disastrous season, it was the first time that they had missed the postseason since 2018 and their first losing record since 2017. It was a season that was, as usual, dominated by stadium chat and, sadly, also overshadowed by the disgraced former top prospect Wander Franco.
They seemed to be flirting with a Wild Card spot all year, but, in reality, it was like driving along the motorway at the same speed as the car just ahead, with the gap never closing. They ended up six games out of the second spot, meaning there was no October baseball in St Petersburg.
Sadly, something did happen at the Tropicana Field in October, and that was damage caused by Hurricane Milton. The 120mph winds ripped large parts of the famous Trop roof off, meaning this season will be played across the road from the Buccaneers’ Raymond James Stadium at the Yankees’ Spring Training home, Steinbrenner Field. An interesting year lies ahead both on and off the field.
Ins and Outs
The Rays have had a very typically Rays offseason, with moves being on the ‘savvy’ side of the board. They have made a move for former Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim on a two-year free agent deal, but the Korean will not be available until mid-season thanks to injury.
Another free agent signing was catcher Danny Jansen who will look to add some much-needed pop from behind the plate while the Rays will try to get some change out of Eloy Jimenez as the big slugger tries to get his career back on track.
Alex Faedo joins an already-stacked pitching staff and will fight for a place on the rotation or perhaps drop into a bullpen swingman role.
On the way out in a major way was Jeffrey Springs, who will be pitching in the green and gold of the Athletics. Jose Siri was traded to the New York Mets while the likes of Dylan Carlson, Colin Poche, Osleivis Basabe and Tyler Alexander walked in free agency.
Kevin Cash will lead the team for a league-leading eleventh consecutive season and will be doing so at Steinbrenner Field, as previously mentioned.
One to Watch
While baseball is certainly number two on the list of bat and ball sports played down under, Aussie infielder Curtis Mead has been making a name for himself ever since being signed by the Phillies in 2018.
After being traded to the Rays organisation a year later, his name has continually popped up in conversations around prospects, and he made his Major League debut in 2023. He had 83 at-bats and added another 122 last year, but at age 24, this may be the year he really breaks out despite being amid a crowded and talented infield picture.
Reasons for optimism
- Pitching staff (as always)
- Settled lineup
- Outdoor stadium making balls fly off the bat more
- A fully healthy Josh Lowe
- Danny Jansen and his strong spring
2025 outlook
The Rays’ outlook for this season is simple – they must challenge for the playoffs. That will be easier said than done with the loaded rosters in the AL East. The Yankees and Orioles will obviously be strong and the Blue Jays and Red Sox have definitely got better.
Can the Rays keep up with them and pitch their way into contention, and get enough out of this lineup? If anyone can find a way, it is Kevin Cash and the Rays.
Featured image photo of Yandy Diaz by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
Article by Mark Strange. Find him on social media: @realmarkstrange.bsky.social @realmarkstrange Look out for more Tampa Bay Rays and College Baseball content from Mark on Bat Flips & Nerds.
