For the second consecutive year, the Tampa Bay Rays clinched the best record in the American League. At 98 wins (and counting), the Rays also surpassed their previous single season record of 97 wins. Despite major setbacks from injuries this season, the Rays persevered and have once again finished at the top. What makes them such a threat in the playoffs this season?
Strong Line-up Top to Bottom
The Rays offense has been their biggest strength this season. They currently lead the majors in runs per game. While their line-up demonstrates various hitter profiles, nearly every player has an above average on base percentage, wOBA, and walk rate. I recently spoke in detail about what makes the Rays offense so great. Check it out here:
Trading for Nelson Cruz and calling up baseball’s top prospect Wander Franco has helped complete this team. Both of these players, in addition to big names Randy Arozarena, Brandon Lowe, and Austin Meadows have helped carry this team to where they are today.
The remaining members of the Rays have also contributed offensively, including Yandy Díaz, Joey Wendle, and new fan favorite Brett Phillips, but it doesn’t stop there. Even their catchers haven’t been easy outs. Mike Zunino adjusted his swing and put up one of his best career years at the plate. Fransisco Mejía was a former top catching prospect who never really lived up to his potential, but has been above average offensively this season.
The Rays’ offensive is not only productive, it is also balanced. The Rays love platooning their position players. They deploy multiple line-ups that look very different when facing a right handed pitcher versus facing a left handed pitcher.
Defensive Strengths
The Rays have a very strong defensive alignment, especially up the middle. They have strong starting and back-up players who can play the most important positions of second base, shortstop, centerfield, and catcher.
Injuries & Pitching
The Rays rotation took a few big hits this season with an injury to their ace Tyler Glasnow and to their former ace Chris Archer. But in typical Rays fashion, they overcame these obstacles to remain competitive. That being said, if there is any weakness to this team, I believe it is their pitching.
I’m not saying their pitching is below average, it is still among the best in the game. But their postseason performance is very uncertain. With four out of six possible starters being rookies, it is difficult to predict how they will do under the added pressure of the playoffs. However, if we take a closer look at these four rookies, it is a very strong group:
- Shane McClanahan
- Shane Baz
- Luis Patino
- Drew Rasmussen
Baz in particular is one pitcher we should keep an eye one heading into the playoffs. He was the player to be named later in the infamous Chris Archer trade, and the Rays have helped develop him into a pitcher with improved command and elite stuff. The majority of the playoff teams have also not faced him before, which will hopefully provide him an extra advantage heading into the later rounds.
Rasmussen has also been a pleasant surprise, with an ERA of only 1.93 in 10 games. The only issue here is that Rasmussen will not be going very deep into games, as he is more of a reliever after undergoing two Tommy John surgeries. To be fair, I don’t think many of the Rays starters will be going deep into games. The Rays have a lot of pitching depth, and can be confident in their bullpen to close out tight games.
Speaking of their bullpen, the Rays relievers have the best team FIP in the majors at 3.64. Despite having an alarming amount of relievers on the injured list, including 2020 lights out reliever Nick Anderson, they have dominated this year. Collin McHugh and Andrew Kittredge have both stepped up to become two of the most reliable relief pitchers in the game, with an ERA of 1.94 and 1.40 respectively.
I may be biased, but I do think this team has what it takes to make it back to the World Series this year. It won’t be easy, but the Rays are versatile, deep, and are never out of a game.
How far do you think the 2021 Rays will go?