{"id":95894,"date":"2025-02-19T00:06:05","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T05:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=95894"},"modified":"2025-02-19T00:06:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T05:06:05","slug":"can-rays-reclaim-al-east-crown-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/02\/19\/can-rays-reclaim-al-east-crown-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Rays Looking to Win Uphill Battle to Reclaim AL East"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Tampa Bay Rays have consistently demonstrated their ability to remain competitive in arguably the toughest division in MLB, the AL East, despite having one of the league\u2019s lowest payrolls. Their success is largely thanks to strong player development, strategic acquisitions, and innovative game management. As the 2025 season approaches, the Rays have one main goal: reclaim the division crown from their rivals, including the improved New York Yankees. With a strong pitching staff and a balanced offensive approach, the Rays have the tools to contend, but winning the division will be their toughest challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Strengths That Keep the Rays in AL East Contention<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A big part of the Rays\u2019 success year in and year out is their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/02\/13\/2025-tampa-bay-rays-preview-pitching\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">robust pitching staff<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The rotation features the return of <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcclash01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shane McClanahan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, who got the Opening Day nod, <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pepiory01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ryan Pepiot<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bazsh01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shane Baz<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bradlta01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taj Bradley<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> continues his upward growth and <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rasmudr01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drew Rasmussen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> returns to form post-injury, the Rays\u2019 starting rotation could be among the league\u2019s elite. Complementing the starters is a strong bullpen led by <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/f\/fairbpe01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pete Fairbanks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and versatile backend relievers. When healthy, the Rays\u2019 pitching depth is one of the best in the AL, giving them a strong foundation for success.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">In full swing <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/yJtFuJ2wai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/yJtFuJ2wai<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RaysBaseball\/status\/1891612904236994739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 17, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offensively, the Rays have a balanced lineup emphasizing contact hitting, speed, and depth. <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/diazya01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yandy D\u00edaz<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> remains a consistent on-base presence while emerging talents like <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=camine000jun\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Junior Caminero<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=mead--000cur\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curtis Mead<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> look to make significant contributions. <\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lowebr01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brandon Lowe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when healthy, adds pop to the lineup, enhancing their offensive capabilities. If these pieces come together, the Rays\u2019 lineup should be productive enough to keep them competitive in the division.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Challenges the Rays Will Face<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The path to the AL East title is clouded by challenges, particularly from division rivals who have bolstered their rosters with superstar acquisitions. The Boston Red Sox have made significant moves to enhance their lineup, most notably by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/02\/12\/alex-bregman-red-sox\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> two-time All-Star <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alex Bregman<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to a three-year, $120 million contract. Bregman, known for his consistent offensive production and defensive versatility, is expected to transition to second base to accommodate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rafael Devers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at third. This pairing creates a formidable infield duo along with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trevor Story<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which could give opposing pitchers some major challenges. The Red Sox also strengthened their pitching staff by signing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walker Buehler<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, trading for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garrett Crochet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and adding veteran reliever <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aroldis Chapman<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, signaling their intent to be serious contenders in 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The New York Yankees, meanwhile, remain a powerhouse with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aaron Judge<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> leading their lineup and newly-signed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Max Fried<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> joining their rotation. Even with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juan Soto<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> departing in free agency, the Yankees have added <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/02\/01\/yankees-free-agency-infield-search\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">new players<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as they look to get back to the Fall Classic, this time aiming to actually win it. Midseason acquisitions could also play a big role in their success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the Rays have a solid roster with a lot of pitching depth, if they are in a great position come the trade deadline, they may look to trade a prospect or two for a bat that will help them get back into the postseason. However, the Rays do have financial limitations between trying to keep payroll low and the unresolved stadium situation. Still, if they find themselves within striking distance, they have the ability to trade a prospect or two if they need that last piece.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Securing the AL East title is harder than ever with both the Yankees and Red Sox making big moves over the offseason and the Baltimore Orioles staying competitive, too. The Rays\u2019 pitching staff serves as the team\u2019s foundation, and with consistent offense, they stand a chance of topping the division. Even if the division gets out of reach, the Rays are still in a great position to secure a Wild Card berth and embark on a deep postseason run. This season will be harder than ever. But the Rays prove year after year that a resilient roster that plays hard is a recipe for success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Photo Credit: \u00a9 Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Tampa Bay Rays have consistently demonstrated their ability to remain competitive in arguably the toughest division in MLB, the AL East, despite having one of the league\u2019s lowest payrolls. Their success is largely thanks to strong player development, strategic acquisitions, and innovative game management. As the 2025 season approaches, the Rays have one main [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5445,"featured_media":95950,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,1071],"tags":[2447,6247,6280,3614,28375,4969,5681,1333,2003,2496],"class_list":["post-95894","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rays","category-mlb","tag-brandon-lowe","tag-curtis-mead","tag-drew-rasmussen","tag-garrett-crochet","tag-junior-caminero","tag-pete-fairbanks","tag-ryan-pepiot","tag-shane-baz","tag-shane-mcclanahan","tag-yandy-diaz"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95894","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5445"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=95894"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95894\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":95951,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95894\/revisions\/95951"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/95950"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=95894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=95894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=95894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}