Advertisement

Ranking the Rays: Tampa Bay’s baseball players ranked from 1-30

You know who’s No. 1 on the roster, but who should be No. 1 in your heart?
 
Published March 23, 2019|Updated March 24, 2019

What players will be most critical to the team’s 2019 success? Tampa Bay Times staff writer Marc Topkin ranks ’em:


1. Blake Snell, lhp

Rays pitcher Blake Snell. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Cy guy gives Rays an advantage in every game he starts, also allows them to bank bullpen innings to make opener plan work.

NO. 4 HT/WT 6-4/215 AGE 26

2018 STATSIP 180.2 W-L 21-5 ERA 1.89 K: 221


2. Tommy Pham, of

Rays outfielder Tommy Pham. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Drive and intensity are obvious. Production even close to post-trade levels (1.071 OPS) would put him in league MVP talk.

NO. 29 HT/WT 6-1/215 AGE 30

2018 STATSAvg. .275 HR 21 RBI 63 SB 15


3. Kevin Kiermaier, of

Rays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
No question how much better Rays are when he is in centerfield and hitting. Big question is how often he can be there.

NO. 39 HT/WT 6-1/210 AGE 28

2018 STATSAvg. .217 HR 7 RBI 29 SB 10


4. Charlie Morton, rhp

Rays pitcher Charlie Morton. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Hired at hefty price ($30 million over two years) to be the second sure thing in rotation, with health likely the key issue.

NO. 50 HT/WT 6-5/215 AGE 35

2018 STATSIP 167.0 W-L 15-3 ERA 3.13 K 201


5. Jose Alvarado, lhp

Rays pitcher Jose Alvarado. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
In a no-roles bullpen (assuming no Craig Kimbrel), looks to be top choice for closing, or, at least highest-leverage, duty.

NO. 46 HT/WT 6-2/245 AGE 23

Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene

Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter

We’ll send you news and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Florida’s college football teams every day.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

2018 STATSIP 64.0 W-L 1-6 ERA 2.39 K 80


6. Brandon Lowe, inf/of

Rays infielder Brandon Lowe. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Much is expected from the little guy with power and a new contract, and he’ll get lots of chances at first, second, outfield and DH.

NO. 8 HT/WT 5-10/185 AGE: 24

2018 STATSAvg. .233 HR 6 RBI 25 SB: 2


7. Willy Adames, ss

Rays shortstop Willy Adames. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Though infield depth is plentiful, is definitely best option at shortstop, and has potential to impact lineup with power.

NO. 1 HT/WT: 6-0/205 AGE: 23

2018 STATSAvg.: .278 HR: 10 RBI: 34 SB: 6


8. Mike Zunino, c

Rays catcher Mike Zunino. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Ranks this high in part because of what he does at and behind plate, and also because of where they’d be without him.

NO. 10 HT/WT 6-2/235 AGE 27

2018 STATSAvg. .201 HR 20 RBI 44 SB 0


9. Diego Castillo, rhp

Rays pitcher Diego Castillo. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Being counted on, like Ryne Stanek, to emerge as reliable high-leverage option, though could again have opener duty.

NO. 63 HT/WT 6-3/250 AGE 25

2018 STATSIP 56.2 W-L 4-2 ERA 3.18 K 65


10. Ryne Stanek, rhp

Rays pitcher Ryne Stanek. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Served as primary ’18 opener and has limited closing time in minors, but will have dual responsibility with growth room.

NO. 55 HT/WT 6-4/255 AGE 27

2018 STATSIP 66.1 W-L 2-3 ERA 2.98 K 81


11. Ji-Man Choi, 1b/dh

Rays first baseman/designated hitter Ji-Man Choi. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
2018 small sample size splits vs. RHPs (.908 OPS) led to a pass on bigger bats, but there’s Lowe (Brandon, Nate) options.

NO. 26 HT/WT 6-1/250 AGE 27

2018 STATSAvg. 263 HR 10 RBI 32 SB 2


12. Joey Wendle, inf

Rays infielder Joey Wendle. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Even without matching 2018 breakout success, is a key piece swinging lefty and able to play second, third, short, outfield.

NO. 18 HT/WT 6-1/200 AGE 28

2018 STATSAvg. .300 HR 7 RBI 61 SB 16


13. Daniel Robertson, inf

Rays infielder Daniel Robertson. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Was in team MVP talk until late-July season-ending injury, is slick fielder at multiple positions with power potential.

NO. 28 HT/WT 5-11/200 AGE 25

2018 STATS Avg. .262 HR 9 RBI 34 SB 2


14. Matt Duffy, 3b

Rays third baseman Matt Duffy. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Spring hamstring issue aside, projected to bring veteran presence to young lineup, with steady bat, ability to play outfield.

NO. 5 HT/WT 6-2/190 AGE 28

2018 STATSAvg. .294 HR 4 RBI 44 SB 12


15. Austin Meadows, of

Rays outfielder Austin Meadows. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Lefty hitter in rightfield platoon, with ability to also play left and center, will get opportunity to show touted five-tool skills.

NO. 17 HT/WT 6-3, 220 AGE 23

2018 STATSAvg. .287 HR 6 RBI 17 SB 5


16. Tyler Glasnow, rhp

Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Third starter, like ex-Pirate mate Meadows, has clear path to majors. Question is consistency, with residual bullpen impact.

NO. 20 HT/WT 6-8/230 AGE 25

2018 STATSIP 111.2 W-L 2-7 ERA 4.27 K 136


17. Yandy Diaz, inf

Rays infielder Yandy Diaz. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Much expected given high cost (Jake Bauers, $5 million) with opportunity on corners, but had slow spring start.

NO. 2 HT/WT 6-2/215 AGE 27

2018 STATSAvg. .312 HR 1 RBI 15 SB 0


18. Chaz Roe, rhp

Rays pitcher Chaz Rowe. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Most experienced member of late-inning relief corps, but has been more of a specialist featuring Frisbee-like slider.

NO. 52 HT/WT 6-5/190 AGE 32

2018 STATSIP 50.1 W-L 1-3 ERA 3.58 K 53


19. Avisail Garcia, of

Rays outfielder Avisail Garcia. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Strong spring good sign of rebound from poor, painful ’18 season will play vs. lefties, compete for ABs vs. righties.

NO. 24 HT/WT 6-4/250 AGE 27

2018 STATSAvg. .236 HR 19 RBI 49 SB 3


20. Michael Perez, c

Rays catcher Michael Perez. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Lefty hitter will get short side of job share with righty swinging Mike Zunino, but still plenty of opportunity following ’18 debut.

NO. 7 HT/WT 5-10 AGE 26

2018 STATSAvg. .284 HR 1 RBI 11 SB 0


21. Yonny Chirinos, rhp

Rays pitcher Yonny Chirinos
Worked some behind opener, has higher upside as true starter than Ryan Yarbrough. Consistency is a concern.

NO. 72 HT/WT 6-2/240 AGE 25

2018 STATSIP 89.2 W-L 5-5 ERA 3.51 K 75


22. Ryan Yarbrough, lhp

Rays pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Biggest beneficiary of opener strategy with 14 of 16 wins in relief and 1-run lower ERA, facing some lefty-laden lineups.

NO. 48 HT/WT 6-5/210 AGE 28

2018 STATSIP 147.1 W-L 16-6 ERA 3.91 K 128


23. Wilmer Font, rhp

Rays pitcher Wilmer Font. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Dazzled in Rays debut until season-ending lat strain but had slow spring. Will be used as opener and multi-inning reliever.

NO. 62 HT/WT 6-4 AGE 28

2018 STATS IP 44.0 W-L 2-3 ERA 5.93 K 36


24. Jalen Beeks, lhp

Rays pitcher Jalen Beeks. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Ex-Red Sox fills role as needed third long reliever, could also be used as opener, resiliency to bounce back a key.

NO. 68 HT/WT 5-11 AGE 25

2018 STATSIP 50.2 W-L 5-1 ERA 5.52 K 42


25. Emilio Pagan, rhp

Rays pitcher Emilio Pagan. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Strong spring positioned trade pickup for potential swing role in bullpen working middle innings and/or as an opener.

NO. 15 HT/WT 6-3/205 AGE 27

2018 STATS IP 62.0 W-L 3-1 ERA 4.35 K 63


26. Guillermo Heredia, of

Rays outfielder Guillermo Heredia. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Acquired from Seattle to serve as backup centerfielder when needed, a righty-hitting replacement for Mallex Smith.

NO. 54 HT/WT 5-10/195 AGE 28

2018 STATSAvg. .236 HR 5 RBI 19 SB 2


27. Hunter Wood, rhp

Rays pitcher Hunter Wood. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Had good flow in 2018 working middle relief and as an opener, and is positioned to help when things get hairy.

NO. 44 HT/WT 6-1/175 AGE 25

2018 STATSIP 41.0 W-L 1-1 ERA 3.73 K 42


28. Adam Kolarek, lhp

Rays pitcher Adam Kolarek. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Much more effective vs. lefties in two seasons in majors. Key will be pitching vs. righties to get through innings.

NO. 56 HT/WT 6-3/215 AGE 30

2018 STATSIP 34.1 W-L 1-0 ERA 3.93 K 19


29. x-Brent Honeywell, rhp

Rays pitcher Brent Honeywell. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Technically on minor-league IL, but potential for major mid-/late-season impact after rehab from 2018 Tommy John surgery.

NO. 59 HT/WT 6-2/195 AGE 23


30. x-Jose De Leon, rhp

Rays pitcher Jose De Leon. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Like Honeywell, slated to complete rehab assignment in late May, could fill in as starter or bulk-inning reliever.

NO. 87 HT/WT 6-1/220 AGE 26


Manager - Kevin Cash

Rays manager Kevin Cash. [Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images]
Tampa native enters fifth season with 318-330 career mark, tied for 6th longest tenure among active managers, contract extension through 2024.

Staff

Coaches: Stan Boroski, bullpen; Jonathan Erlichman, process and analytics; Paul Hoover, field coordinator; Rodney Linares, third base; Chad Mottola, hitting; Matt Quatraro, bench; Kyle Snyder, pitching; Ozzie Timmons, first base. Medical: Joe Benge, head athletic trainer; Mark Vinson, Mike Sandoval, assistants; Paul Harker, medical coordinator; Trung Cao, strength and conditioning coordinator; Joey Greany, strength & conditioning assistant; Justin Su’a, mental skills. Front office/baseball operations: Erik Neander, senior VP/GM; Chaim Bloom, senior VP; James Click, VP; Tom Foley, special assistant; Bobby Heck, special assistant; R.J. Harrison, senior advisor; Mitch Lukevics, director, minor-league operations; Peter Bendix, baseball development; Kevin Ibach, pro scouting; Rob Metzler, amateur scouting; Carlos Rodriguez, international scouting; Joe Myers, baseball performance science; Chris Westmoreland, team travel and logistics; Chris Fernandez, video coordinator; Ryan Denlinger, home clubhouse manager; Tyler Wall, home equipment manager.

(x-headed to DL top 30 on roster as of March 18)


Advertisement